The first Australian field trials of genetically modified bananas are going well, according to scientists from the state of Queensland, who say the banana plants are flourishing.
Two plots of different GM banana varieties have been established near Innisfail by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), reported the ABC.
One of the varieties has been given resistance to Panama disease, or Fusarium wilt, and the other has had its nutrient content enriched.
Results of the trial won’t be known for sure until the plants fruit, according to QUT’s Professor James Dale.
“They were planted out in March, so that's the first trial,” he said. “I had a look at the plants last week and they’re looking really good.”
“The real results of course start to flow in when the plants start fruiting.”
“We’ve had articles written about the project in the Science Magazine, the leading science journal in the world, `as well as` a couple of major internet sites,” he said.
“There’s a lot of interest around the world about what’s happening in Australia at the moment.”
