Disease-Resistant Banana Varieties

Chiquita, the world's premier banana company, has unveiled its innovative Yelloway initiative in a strategic partnership with KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University and Research (WUR). This initiative aims to develop bananas resistant to pathogenic diseases such as Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and Black Sigatoka, while also addressing environmental challenges and reducing carbon emissions.

The comprehensive approach involves genome mapping, plant breeding, laboratory, and field testing. Currently, the first Yelloway bananas are undergoing field trials in the Philippines. Peter Stedman, Chiquita’s Director of Sustainability, emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and the global impact of the Yelloway initiative. The project has already produced a banana diversity family tree from over 160 types, resulting in 150 successful crosses. This initiative complements Chiquita's '30BY30' program, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030.