QUT develops golden bananas high in pro-vitamin A

Typography

The decade-long research, led by Distinguished Professor James Dale, involved extensive laboratory tests at QUT as well as field trials in north Queensland.

The decade-long research, led by Distinguished Professor James Dale, involved extensive laboratory tests at QUT as well as field trials in north Queensland.

Professor Dale said the genetic modification process had resulted in the identification and selection of banana genes that could be used to enhance pro-vitamin A in banana fruit.

The research backed with close to $10 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ultimately aims to improve the nutritional content of bananas in Uganda, where the fruit is the major staple food in their daily diet.

Read more at Queensland University of Technology

Image: Distinguished Professor James Dale has led a team of scientists who have modified bananas to make them rich in pro-vitamin A. This humanitarian project will improve the nutrition of people in Uganda. (Credit: Patria Janides, QUT)