Bananas might be the world’s most popular fruit, but disease, climate pressures, and a lack of genetic diversity mean that Cavendish – the variety most people buy in the shops – faces a serious threat to its future survival.
In this episode of The Fresh Ideas Show, Mike Knowles speaks with Professor James Dale, one of the world’s leading banana researchers. He led the recent development of the world’s first genetically modified banana approved for commercial production, and is the author of a new book called The Future of Bananas.
James explains why bananas are in fact unlikely to be heading for extinction, despite the alarming headlines. Plus he explores the genuine threats facing Cavendish, considers the potential for a more diverse range of bananas through new techniques like gene editing, and explains why regulators, not scientists, could play a key role in the industry’s banana rescue mission.
This episode is brought to you by Dole, the number one name in global fresh produce.
Below, you can find three exclusive extracts from Professor Dale’s new book.
The Fresh Ideas Show is a podcast about the fruit and veg business hosted by Mike Knowles and Maura Maxwell.
Follow Mike Knowles on LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/mikefruitnet
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Part of the Fruitnet Podcast Network, the show is produced, recorded, and edited by Fruitnet Media International.
