A new variety of genetically modified banana promises to reduce food waste and combat the environmental impact of agricultural production. This innovative fruit remains fresh for longer, does not mature rapidly and avoid darkening even after peeling.
The traditional banana, unlike many other fruits, reproduces itself asexually. Gilad Gershon, executive director of the Tropic biotechnology company, explains that “there is no real reproduction in bananas”, which means they are genetically identical from generation to generation. For this, the characteristic represents a challenge in adapting culture to new environmental conditions.
Genetic edition for greater resistance
Genetic edition emerges as a solution to increase bananas resistance to disease and prolong their conservation time. Tropic company bets on modifying the gene responsible for polyphenoloxidase production, an enzyme that accelerates the darkening of the fruit.
Less waste, greater durability
With this change, the banana remains fresh for longer, even after harvested or transported to different markets. This advance is particularly relevant to the food industry, which often loses large amounts of product due to rapid fruit degradation.
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Environmental impact and reduction in emissions
The company ensures that “we use genetic editing to increase performance, prolong the expiration date and improve natural resistance to disease.” These advances make it possible to significantly reduce the use of agricultural land, chemicals and carbon emissions associated with conventional production.
An important step for food security
The bananas export market represents a sector of great economic relevance. The introduction of varieties that minimize losses and increase durability can bring benefits to both farmers and distributors and consumers.
Biotechnology in food production
According to, Tropic is not limited to banana. The company is also working on the genetic edition of other cultures such as coffee and rice, with the aim of improving productivity and reducing losses.
A future with less waste
Bananas remain one of the most consumed fruits in the world. By prolonging their useful life and making them more resistant to disease, biotechnology can help ensure the availability of this food by many more generations.
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