Scientists are exploring the use of genome editing to help the Philippines regain its position as the world's second-largest banana exporter by developing varieties that are pest-resistant and have longer shelf life.
Reynante Ordonio, Scientist I of the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), said United Kingdom-based biotechnology company Tropic is seeking approval in the Philippines for a gene-edited banana resistant to Panama disease (Banana Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4, TR4). The same company has already received approval from the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) for a non-browning gene-edited banana that could extend shelf life and reduce waste.
Ordonio explained that the non-browning trait works by eliminating the polyphenol oxidase gene, which catalyzes the oxidation process that causes browning in fruit. "So, when those genes are lost, [bananas] stay fresh for a longer period of time and won't turn brown [immediately]," he said during a biotechnology workshop organized by ISAAA and Bayer Philippines in Manila. "This will have a significant impact because it will reduce waste and prolong bananas' shelf life, which is great for our exporters."
The Philippines was the world's second-largest banana exporter for six years before Guatemala overtook it in 2023. The country has since remained the third-largest exporter. Banana production continues to be affected by TR4, which has spread widely across growing regions.
"Panama disease is effectively targeted by gene-edited bananas. It's another trait. The first trait is the non-browning one, and the other trait is the TR4-resistant banana," Ordonio said.
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications (ISAAA) Executive Director Rhodora Romero-Aldemita added that a disease-resistant banana is important for the Philippines. "Banana is one of the export earners of the Philippines, and it is always affected by viral diseases and fungal diseases," she said.
She also noted that the Philippines could use a material transfer agreement for gene-edited or genetically modified bananas already developed overseas, adapting them to local conditions. "We know that they are already in existence in other parts of the world […] we can just get a material transfer agreement, get the genetically modified or the gene-edited banana, bring them to the Philippines, test it, and make sure that they are resistant or they are adapted to our local conditions," she said.
"This is so that our bananas, particularly the Cavendish banana, which is very susceptible to diseases, would be growing with high yield, and we can export a lot more," Aldemita added.
Source: BusinessMirror