Banana disease cure renews hope of lifting export ban

The Ugandan National Biosafety Committee has already approved the tests.

The novel green pepper proteins that give crops enhanced resistance against deadly pathogens can also provide effective control against other BXW-like bacterial diseases in other parts of the world. Scientists said the mechanism known as hypersensitivity response also activates the defences of surrounding and even distant uninfected banana plants leading to a systemic acquired resistance.

The genes used in the research were acquired under an agreement from Academia Sinica in Taiwan.

The highly destructive BXW affects all varieties, including the East African Highland bananas and exotic dessert, roasting, and beer bananas.

The crop is also under threat from another deadly disease, the banana bunchy top.

Dr. Tripathi says that there are presently no commercial chemicals, biocontrol agents or resistant varieties that can control the spread of BXW.