Image: The first GM banana to be approved for commercial production was developed in Australia and could save one of our favourite fruits from devastating diseases.
Join a free webinar with Distinguished Professor James Dale as he discusses the future of bananas as they face the threat of a new devastating disease. The webinar is scheduled for July 15 at 1pm.
Prof. Dale asks will we be able to enjoy one of the world’s favourite fruits, the Cavendish banana, as it comes under increasing threat from diseases. He has tackled concerns about bananas in his fascinating new book ‘The Future of Bananas’ (Melville House UK, $29.95 rrp).
He is well placed to write and talk about the popular curvy yellow fruit as he has spent much of his research career working on biotechnology research, tropical fruits and bananas at the University of Queensland Technology. He and his team have developed the first genetically modified banana to have been approved for commercial production.
In his book and in our webinar, Prof. Dale will not only explain how he developed the new banana, ‘QCAV-4’, but also talk about the exciting history of the banana and its trade, and why the Cavendish variety has dominated world supply. He will also explain more about genetic engineering and CRISPR technology.
As well as being a researcher, author and engaging speaker, Prof. Dale is also a keen gardener whose own garden has been open under Open Gardens Australia. He is keen to meet and talk to members of the horticultural media.
More information
To find out more about the new banana, follow this link. To find out more about the book, ‘The Future of Bananas’, part of the Futures Series, see this link.
Date and time Wednesday July 15, 1pm AEST (12.30pm in SA and NT, 11am WA).
Topic ‘The Future of Bananas’ with Prof. James Dale.
