Scientists in Uganda Testing Black Sigatoka-Resistant Bananas

(April 10, 2008) - The hope that genetic engineering will provide bananas resistant to Black Sigatoka disease may come true. Scientists at the Kawanda Research Institute in Uganda are currently testing a genetically modified banana they developed to be resistant to the Black Sigatoka fungus.

However, even if the scientists achieve positive results, the new banana plants could not yet be given to farmers, said Arthur Makara, the officer in charge at the Ugandan National Council of Science and Technology. The government must first introduce a policy on biosafety. A policy was drafted eight years ago, but it has not yet been approved by the cabinet.

The development of genetically modified bananas will take between 10 and 15 years. After the Panama disease back in the 1950s, which completely wiped out the most common banana variety Gros Michel, Black Sigatoka has become more and more widespread during the last thirty years. Currently, the only way to fight this disease is by applying massive doses of fungicides - a practice which proves more and more ineffective as the fungus becomes resistant. Black Sigatoka is not only threatening Cavendish bananas, which are the most popular banana variety in Europe and North America, it also affects local varieties that are more popular in Asia, Africa and South America.

See also on GMO-Compass:

• Bananas

Further information:

• The most important disease of a most important fruit (Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida)