Queensland GM Banana Innovation Set To Protect $1.3 Billion Industry

Australia’s place in the US $20 billion global banana market has been safeguarded, according to the federal government, with a new genetically modified banana being granted approval for commercial release and consumption.

The QCAV-4 variety of the Cavendish banana has been developed by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to counteract the effects of Panama Disease or Tropical Race 4 (TR4), a fungal disease that starves bananas of their nutrients eventually killing the plant.

Following 20 years of development and rigorous scientific assessment to ensure it is safe for consumption, QCAV-4 received final regulatory approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) earlier this year.

The approval comes at an important time as the disease impacts banana industries across the world, including here in Australia which consumes around five million bananas per day.

With TR4 estimated to have the potential to impact 80 per cent of global banana production, Australian researchers have made a world-first breakthrough to protect local banana farms and secure our food production systems.

While there is no immediate demand locally to bring QCAV-4 to market due to our biosecurity system successfully keeping Panama Disease from devastating the Australian banana industry, there are a number of countries with an increasing need to find a sustainable, long-term solution to the ravages of TR4.  

Genetically modified labelling provisions would apply to food derived from QCAV-4, so consumers can make informed choices should the banana be commercially produced and sold.

The team behind its creation are now turning their attention to developing a non-genetically modified, gene-edited version of the product that can resist TR4 and other diseases, continuing to future-proof one of the world’s favourite fruits.

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said this is an important milestone for researchers at QUT and a significant development in the fight against potential threats to Australian biosecurity.

“Panama disease has caused havoc in the Philippines and China, spreading quickly in South-East and south Asia, parts of Africa and now South America,” Minister Collins said.

“This has been a long process for the scientists at QUT, and the final approval is vindication of their work, skill and patience.

“This is a major Australian achievement worth celebrating.”

Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Senator for Queensland, Anthony Chisholm added, “If TR4 were to spread extensively here, it would devastate our farming communities. That’s why it’s great to see Queensland researchers leading the way, yet again, to provide our producers with a scientific safety net for their crops.”

QUT Distinguished Professor James Dale said the QUT team has been working on developing and growing GM Cavendish bananas for more than 20 years.

“Apart from providing a genuine protection against Panama Disease TR4 for the world’s export industry, QCAV-4 is a safety net for Australia’s $1.3 billion industry.”

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