Is this the banana of the future? | Catalyst

Summary

The video script explores the world of banana farming in Australia, focusing on the Cavendish variety, which is the most popular and widely grown due to its taste, yield, and disease resistance. Despite its success, the Cavendish banana faces a significant threat from a deadly fungal disease known as TR4, which has already wiped out Cavendish crops in the Northern Territory and could potentially lead to the variety's extinction worldwide within five years. To combat this, scientists at the South Johnston research facility are working on developing new banana varieties with disease-resistant genetics. They are experimenting with the Goldfinger variety, which has natural resistance to fungal diseases but is less appealing to consumers due to its acidity. Through genetic reengineering and radiation-induced mutation, they aim to create a new variety that combines the best of both worlds: disease resistance and a taste that consumers love. The script highlights the importance of genetic diversity in agriculture and the potential for scientific innovation to address global food challenges.

Takeaways

• 🍌 The Cavendish banana variety is the most popular in Australia, accounting for 95% of bananas sold.
• 💪 Workers can carry up to a thousand bunches of bananas a day, with each bunch weighing around 40 to 70 kilograms.
• 🌱 Cavendish bananas are propagated asexually, either through suckers or cloning, resulting in genetically identical trees.
• 🔍 A lack of genetic diversity makes the Cavendish bananas vulnerable to diseases, such as the deadly TR4 fungal disease.
• 📉 TR4 has led to the extinction of Cavendish bananas in the Northern Territory of Australia, with a 100% mortality rate once established.
• 🌳 The banana plant is not a tree but a large herb, with diverse varieties in terms of size, texture, and taste.
• 🔬 Scientists are breeding new banana varieties resistant to diseases by using techniques like gamma radiation to induce mutations.
• 🧪 The Goldfinger banana has shown resistance to fungal disease but needs genetic modification to match the taste of Cavendish bananas.
• 🌱 A collection of 220 different banana varieties is maintained to preserve genetic diversity and potential disease resistance.
• 📈 The mutation process is random, and scientists are searching for the perfect combination of taste and disease resistance.
• ⏳ Consumers might witness more variety in bananas in the coming years than they have in the past four decades due to ongoing research and development.

Q & A

What is the average weight of a bunch of bananas being carried by the workers?

The workers can carry bunches of bananas that are around 40 kilos, and some can carry up to a thousand bunches a day.

What type of banana is predominantly grown and sold in Australia?

The Cavendish banana variety is predominantly grown and sold in Australia, making up 95% of the bananas sold there.

What is the term used for carrying the heavy bunches of bananas?

The term used for carrying the heavy bunches of bananas is 'banana humpin'.

What is the maximum weight a single bunch of bananas can reach?

A single bunch of bananas can weigh up to 70 kilograms.

Why are the Cavendish bananas considered the 'ultimate consumer crop'?

Cavendish bananas are considered the 'ultimate consumer crop' due to their smooth, creamy texture and just a hint of sweetness, which has come to define what a banana tastes like.

How are Cavendish banana plants propagated after harvesting?

Cavendish banana plants are propagated vegetatively, either by taking suckers from the base of the plant and planting them in the ground or through cloning in a laboratory, resulting in genetically identical trees.

What is the major issue facing the Cavendish banana industry due to a lack of genetic diversity?

The major issue is vulnerability to pests and diseases that can wipe out the entire variety, as there is no genetic resistance within the uniform population of trees.

What is the name of the deadly fungal disease that affects banana plants and has no known cure?

The deadly fungal disease is called TR4 (Tropical Race 4), which works in the soil and has a 100% mortality rate once established.

How is the South Johnston research facility contributing to the future of bananas?

The South Johnston research facility is working on creating new banana varieties with disease-resistant genetics by crossbreeding and using gamma radiation to induce mutations, aiming to find a variety that is both resistant to diseases and appealing to consumers.

What is the name of the banana variety that has caught the attention of botanist Jeff Daniels for its resistance to fungal disease?

The banana variety is called 'Gold Finger', which was bred nearly a century ago for its ability to fight fungal disease.

How are scientists attempting to make the Gold Finger banana more appealing to consumers?

Scientists are using genetic reengineering and exposing tissue samples to gamma radiation to create variations in taste and eating characteristics, aiming to make the Gold Finger taste more like the popular Cavendish banana.

What is the potential impact on banana consumers if the Cavendish variety becomes extinct?

Banana consumers might see more change in the varieties available over the next few decades as researchers work to develop new disease-resistant varieties that can replace the Cavendish.

Outlines

00:00

🍌 The Perfect Banana: Cavendish Variety

The first paragraph introduces the Cavendish banana, which is the most popular variety in Australia, accounting for 95% of all bananas sold. These bananas are known for their perfect taste, yield, and disease resistance. The video discusses the process of harvesting these bananas, which can weigh up to 70 kilograms per bunch and are carried by workers using protective shoulder pads. The Cavendish is described as near-perfect due to its seedless nature and delicious taste, but the lack of genetic diversity makes the industry vulnerable to pests and diseases, particularly a deadly fungal disease with no known cure. The disease has already wiped out Cavendish bananas in the Northern Territory, and there is a concern it could spread to other regions.

05:01

🧬 Breeding Disease-Resistant Bananas

The second paragraph delves into the efforts at the South Johnston research facility to create new banana varieties resistant to diseases. Botanist Jeff Daniels maintains a collection of 220 different banana varieties from around the world, which serve as a resource for resistance to pests and diseases. Among these, the Goldfinger variety stands out for its resistance to fungal disease, but its taste is not as appealing to consumers as the Cavendish. A Japanese team is working on genetically reengineering the Goldfinger to resemble the Cavendish in taste. They use gamma radiation to induce mutations, creating a variety of changes in the plant, including taste and texture. The narrator gets to sample some of these mutant bananas, which are a mix of the original Goldfinger's tang and the sweetness of the Cavendish, indicating a promising future for disease-resistant yet consumer-friendly bananas.

10:02

🌱 The Future of Bananas: Exploring New Varieties

The third paragraph contemplates the future of banana consumption, suggesting that consumers may witness more variety in the coming years than they have in the past four decades. The video ends with a reflection on the banana as an ongoing experiment and the possibility of diversifying our fruit bowls with some of the unique banana varieties explored in the research station. The specific 'four to three' banana, which is a product of the research and development, is highlighted as an example of the potential new additions to the consumer market. However, it is noted that there is still a long way to go before these new varieties become widely available.

Keywords

💡Cavendish bananas

Cavendish bananas are a variety of banana that is predominantly grown and consumed in Australia, making up 95% of the bananas sold in the country. They are characterized by their seedless and creamy texture, with a hint of sweetness, and are the result of selective breeding for taste, yield, and disease resistance. In the video, it is mentioned that the Cavendish is facing threats due to a lack of genetic diversity, which makes it vulnerable to pests and diseases.

💡Biosecurity fortress

A biosecurity fortress refers to a highly protected area designed to prevent the entry and spread of harmful organisms, such as pests and diseases, that could threaten agricultural crops. In the context of the video, the biosecurity fortress is used to safeguard the Cavendish bananas, which are one of Australia's most protected fruits, from potential threats like the deadly TR4 fungal disease.

💡Disease resistance

Disease resistance refers to the ability of a plant or organism to withstand or defend against diseases caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria, or viruses. In the video, the Cavendish bananas were initially chosen for their disease resistance, which is a critical factor in their cultivation and the reason for their widespread adoption. However, the lack of genetic diversity in the Cavendish variety has made them vulnerable to new strains of diseases, such as the TR4 fungus.

💡Genetic diversity

Genetic diversity refers to the variety of genes within a species or a population, which is essential for the survival and adaptation of the species to changing environments and threats. In the video, the lack of genetic diversity in the Cavendish bananas is highlighted as a major issue, as it makes the entire population susceptible to diseases that can wipe out the variety. Efforts are being made to develop new banana varieties with improved resistance to diseases through genetic research.

💡TR4 fungal disease

TR4, also known as Tropical Race 4, is a strain of the Panama disease fungus that affects bananas. It is a soil-borne disease with no known cure and is particularly devastating to the Cavendish variety of bananas. Once established, it can cause 100% mortality in banana plants, leading to significant losses in banana production. The video discusses the impact of TR4 on banana plantations and the urgency to find solutions to protect the industry.

💡Vegetative propagation

Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where new plants grow from a part of the parent plant, such as roots, stems, or leaves. In the context of the video, Cavendish bananas are propagated vegetatively, meaning they are cloned from offshoots or 'suckers' from the base of the plant, resulting in genetically identical trees. This method of propagation contributes to the lack of genetic diversity among the plants.

💡Goldfinger bananas

Goldfinger bananas are a variety that was bred nearly a century ago for their ability to fight fungal diseases. However, they have a slightly different taste compared to the Cavendish, with more acidity, which may not be as appealing to all consumers. In the video, scientists are working on genetically reengineering the Goldfinger to make it taste more like the Cavendish, while retaining its disease resistance.

💡Genetic mutation

Genetic mutation refers to changes in the DNA sequence that can lead to variations in the characteristics of an organism. In the video, genetic mutation is used as a non-GM technique to create a range of Goldfinger tissue samples with different traits, including changes in taste and texture. The goal is to find a banana variety that has the right combination of disease resistance and consumer appeal.

💡Plant breeding

Plant breeding is the science of changing the traits of plants to develop new varieties with desirable characteristics, such as disease resistance, improved yield, or better taste. In the video, plant breeding is crucial for creating new banana varieties that can withstand diseases like TR4 and cater to consumer preferences. The process involves selecting plants with specific traits and crossing them to produce offspring with the desired combination of characteristics.

💡Taste and texture

Taste and texture are sensory attributes of food that contribute to the overall eating experience. In the context of the video, taste and texture are critical factors in the consumer acceptance of bananas. The Goldfinger variety, for instance, has a tangier taste and firmer texture than the Cavendish, which may not be as appealing to consumers accustomed to the smooth and creamy Cavendish bananas. Scientists are working to improve the taste and texture of the Goldfinger to make it more marketable.

💡Biodiversity

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in all its forms and levels, including the diversity of species, genes, and ecosystems. In the context of the video, biodiversity is crucial for the development of new banana varieties that can resist diseases and pests. The banana germ plasm collection at the research facility represents a range of genetic diversity that can be used to breed bananas with improved resistance to threats.

Highlights

The Cavendish banana variety is a perfect mix of taste, yield, and disease resistance, chosen 60 years ago.

Workers can carry up to a thousand bunches of bananas a day, with each bunch weighing around 40 to 70 kilograms.

Cavendish bananas make up 95% of bananas sold in Australia and are known for their smooth, creamy texture with a hint of sweetness.

Banana plants are propagated vegetatively, either through suckers or as clones in a laboratory, leading to a lack of genetic diversity.

A lack of genetic diversity makes the banana industry vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can wipe out entire farms.

TR4, a deadly fungal disease, has a 100% mortality rate in banana plants and has already impacted the Northern Territory.

Researchers at the South Johnston research facility are working on creating disease-resistant banana varieties.

The banana germ plasm collection consists of 220 different varieties from around the world, offering a resource for resistance to pests and diseases.

The Goldfinger banana variety has the ability to fight fungal disease but differs in taste from the popular Cavendish, being more acidic.

Japanese researchers are genetically reengineering the Goldfinger banana to make it taste more like the Cavendish using gamma radiation.

The mutation process is random, and researchers are looking for the right combination of characteristics, including disease resistance.

The potential future banana variety has been tasted and shows promise, being tangy with just enough sweetness.

Consumers may see more change in banana varieties in the coming years than they have in the past forty years.

The banana is an ongoing experiment, and broadening our palate to include more varieties could transform our fruit bowls.

The research station's work provides an incredible insight into how our taste for food can be developed and diversified.

The Goldfinger banana, through genetic mutation, is being developed to potentially be the next widely enjoyed banana variety.

The 'four to three' banana, a product of the research, is currently unique and represents the future of banana cultivation.

Transcripts

now heavies one of these bunches of and

well this fella is probably around 40

kilos these boys here can carry up to a

thousand those bunches a day behind this

biosecurity fortress is one of

Australia's most protected fruits a

banana variety chosen 60 years ago to be

the perfect mix of taste yield and

disease resistance I'm here to find out

what makes this banana so easy to grow

and so popular with our palate so this

whole poppy is full of Cavendish bananas

one variety that's all we grow here and

95% the bananas sold in Australia all

Cavendish bananas so cam throws me in at

the deep end with what they call banana

humpin Tony the shoulder pad care yeah

my this here is to protect the bunch

back we're not looking at your shoulder

we just want to make sure the fruit gets

looked after so whack that one on and

how heavy is one of these bunches of an

eyeball this fella is probably around

forty kilos so make sure the knees are

ready to go in the world of fruit the

Cavendish is near perfect a little bit

of a scarf in the pre seedless and

delicious it has extraordinary

horticultural vigour how do you just

step in underneath they might just take

the weight you have you got him yep all

right off you go

[Music]

every bunch we hump can weigh up to 70

kilograms and the fruit grows year round

bunch today there could be as many as

300 bananas in this big Bunch

it's the ultimate consumer crop today

and if I look at or eat a banana it's

most likely a Cavendish it's come to

define what a banana tastes like smooth

creamy with just a hint of sweetness so

I'm a little stunned that after

harvesting a bunch they just chopped the

plant down and so how do you propagate

that are they all related as a plant

yeah we're the propagating veget simply

so off the base you can actually take

some suckers off plant them in the

ground that'll grow a new tree or they

go through a laboratory and they're

clones

[Music]

so genetically pretty much all of the

trees all the bananas in this plot are

the same they are definitely identical

they are exactly the same tree and does

that leave the industry and your farms

vulnerable to to like pests and disease

it's a major issue you get the one that

takes out that variety you've got to

replace the whole farm so it's a massive

issue it's this lack of genetic

diversity that has put the perfect

banana at risk

a deadly fungal disease works in the

soil and there's no known cure

what kind of mortality rate is there in

banana plants from the tr4 gets in there

once it's established it's a hundred

percent well it doesn't mean doesn't

miss

[Music]

it's already taken out all the Northern

Territory everything everything the

whole lot the whole lot no one is

growing Cavendish bananas in the

Northern Territory them if you grow them

they will be dead within a couple of

years that's incredible yeah is this so

you might you as a Queensland grower you

must be you must be really concerned

about that coming to your crop well it

will move in water and we're in the

wettest place in Australia here so you

get a big rainfall event and it washes

from your farm down to the neighbours

farm it will fall it's bad news for

banana lovers farmers like Cameron fear

the Cavendish could be extinct around

the world in as little as five years

[Music]

so I've come to the South Johnston

research facility look at this

scientists here are hot on the trail of

a solution this is Nikki a little

different to the banana farmers out

yesterday I mean it's it's wild in here

yeah bit messy at the moment we've been

letting the plants multiply as they

naturally do from their large rise own

system below ground they're creating new

varieties of bananas

somewhere in this field might lie the

disease-resistant genetics for the next

generations of bananas we eat

immediately you can see there's some

different it's a banana germ plasm a

collection of 220 different varieties

from around the world lovingly cared for

by botanist Jeff Daniels even just

looking around this little plot here

there's a huge amount of variety I mean

there's some long thin ones up there

like these plants themselves much

thinner leaves are different I saw some

one red flowers and little pink bunch

coming in so what's the purpose of

keeping a plot like this for a whole lot

of reasons in particular these days

these varieties represent an amazing

resource in terms of their resistance to

pests and diseases of bananas

as we explore under the canopy the

diversity of the banana simply astounds

me Wow huh it's a banana

awk of different shapes these bananas a

massive textures and taste it looks like

butternut pumpkins and they're delicious

even bananas with seeds they'll turn

brown and they'll get hotter as they get

much more mature all from a plant I'm

amazed to learn isn't even a tree at all

nobody tissues and that one that is

massive definitely just get my arms

around it I can't believe it's a herb

and among all this diversity one

particular variety has caught Jeff's eye

[Music]

it's called the gold finger first bred

nearly a century ago for its ability to

fight fungal disease but it has one big

problem a little bit different to your

Cavendish banana which is the main

market variety a little bit more acidity

in the fruit not all consumers will like

it quite so much so it's on paper it's

great for a commercial farmer but when

it comes to the consumer it's not quite

as appealing because we've all grown to

love the taste and texture of the

Cavendish banana Japanese team are

genetically reengineering the gold

finger to taste more like one well what

we're going to do is try and accelerate

the process of variation that curves

naturally through bananas they've

created a paddock of Mutants 600 gold

finger tissue samples were exposed to

powerful gamma radiation a non-gm

technique used by scientists around the

world since the 60s to create lots of

genetic changes quickly instead of

waiting for them to evolve

it causes some variation to occur in the

plant in the whole range of plant Bunch

characteristics and also more

importantly in this case changes in the

taste and eating characteristics

and I'm one of the lucky few to get a

taste of the future from the paddock of

mutants Japanese colleague Stuart have

narrowed it down to a handful one of

which may end up on your breakfast

cereal now I can see that's going right

back towards that Cavendish it has like

a there's a firmer texture it has less

acidity

I'm literally tasting how the firmness

sweetness and tankiness of the original

Goldfinger has been changed by this

process hmm that's even sweeter again

yes like that that's what we're looking

for and the results are very tasty so

that to me tastes like it's got a lot

more of that classic Goldfinger tang to

it but it has a very appealing texture

as well so I can see what you're doing

here you know with all this genetic

variation you're looking for that the

Magic Bullet one that ticks all the

boxes that's it but the the mutation

process is is random so we're really

just trying to find the right

combination of characteristics and one

of the key characteristics that we need

to be able to confirm is that they still

have the same resistance as you original

golf in it so there's a little more

testing to come for the banana of the

future but for now the pick of the bunch

for my taste buds is the one that's a

bit tangy but with just enough sweetness

[Music]

I'd say the four to three if there's any

any sort of credence to to my opinion on

that that's right excellent get handed

on and to me I mean that's quite

exciting to think that that you know

standing here in the research station

that I've tasted a banana that has been

in development and potentially will be

something that's enjoyed by people all

over the country and I think I think

this is a time when banana consumers are

going to see more change in the

varieties face then they've probably

seen in the last forty years if you're

looking for anyone to name them after

the the West banana maybe nerds a bit

wonky that probably should be a

westerner but for the four to three

banana there's a long way to go right

now there's just one of them in the

world row for tree 23 in this panic

[Music]

this has been an incredible insight into

how we can develop a taste for our food

the banana really is an ongoing

experiment

and I can't help wondering what my fruit

bowl might look like if we broadened our

palate to include a few more of these

bananas I've seen today

[Music]

you

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