Banana DNA mapped to create stronger crop

Two French research bodies have sequenced a banana genome as part of efforts to create a new, pest resilient variety. The banana DNA could help in food security issues. France's CIRAD - a center for agricultural research for development - and the National Research Agency (ANR) say they have sequenced the DNA of banana. Led by CIRAD's Angélique D'Hont, the researchers were able to map the genome of a wild Asian strain called Musa acuminate - a component in every edible variety of bananas. They say their work is an important step toward understanding the genetics of the crop - and toward improving varieties and strengthening them against fungus and pests. But Angélique D'Hont says CIRAD is focused on cross-breeding rather than genetically modifying bananas. DW: Angélique D'Hont, in terms of food security issues, how important do you consider your findings? Angélique D'Hont: Eighty-five percent of banana production is consumed locally in tropical and sub-tropical countries. So, it provides a staple food and a major source of income for over 500 million people. And half of all production comes from only one cultivar [a variety of plant maintained through cultivation - the author] - or one group of cultivar derived from only one seed. And pests and diseases have gradually adapted to this cultivar. So, we're talking about monocultures - pest have become resistant within these monocultures? Yes. So, how can your findings help farmers and cultivators beat the pest? Because of this situation it is important to breed new varieties - new cultivar. But breeding bananas is quite complicated. Partly because bananas have to produce sterile fruit - that is, fruit without seeds to make them edible. And to make new bananas you have to perform cross-breeding, so you need a fertile plant. So, we have sequenced one banana genome type and we have identified 36,000 genes and we know the exact position of these genes on the chromosome. The next challenge is to find among these genes, which ones are important for conferring resistance to the main diseases and also for conferring good fruit quality.