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Queensland University of Technology

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is seeking approval from the Gene Technology Regulator for commercial cultivation of genetically modified (GM) banana plants. The GM banana plants have been modified for resistance to the fungal disease Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), also known as Panama disease. The applicant indicated they do not intend the GM banana plants to replace the current Cavendish banana cultivars growing in Australia but rather to provide a safety net to the Australian banana industry should it be heavily impacted by Panama disease.

The Gene Technology Regulator will assess risks to people and to the environment that may be posed by the commercial cultivation of the GM banana plants and develop a risk management plan to manage any risks posed by gene technology. The OGTR risk analysis for this application will be carried out in accordance with the Regulator’s Risk Analysis Framework. You can find out more about the biology of banana and how it is farmed in Australia in the biology document.

Permission for the GM banana and its products to be sold as food for human consumption in Australia requires a separate regulatory assessment and approval from Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ). QUT is currently seeking approval from FSANZ to permit food derived from the GM banana plants. This application was given the FSANZ identifier A1274. Information relating to this GM food application, A1274, and to food labelling, can be found on the FSANZ website.