Key Takeaways:
- Chiquita, in collaboration with KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), has developed Yelloway One, a banana hybrid resistant to Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and partially resistant to Black Sigatoka.
- Yelloway One represents a major breakthrough in banana breeding, offering a solution to two of the most destructive diseases in global banana production.
- The new hybrid is undergoing greenhouse trials, with field tests planned in the Philippines and Indonesia—regions heavily impacted by these diseases.
- The Yelloway initiative blends traditional crossbreeding with advanced genetic tools to accelerate banana breeding and improve crop sustainability.
Chiquita and Partners Announce Yelloway One: A Breakthrough in Banana Breeding
Chiquita, in partnership with KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), has announced the development of Yelloway One, a revolutionary banana hybrid resistant to Tropical Race 4 (TR4) and partially resistant to Black Sigatoka. These two fungal diseases pose some of the most significant threats to global banana production, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually.
The Yelloway initiative, launched in 2020, aims to develop disease-resistant banana varieties while maintaining the familiar characteristics of the Cavendish banana, such as appearance, texture, and shelf life. Yelloway One is the first hybrid to combine resistance to both TR4 and Black Sigatoka, marking a new era in sustainable banana cultivation.
A Milestone in Banana Breeding
Yelloway One is a significant breakthrough in banana breeding, demonstrating that resistance to TR4 and Black Sigatoka can be achieved through crossbreeding. This hybrid variety offers a long-awaited solution to two of the industry’s most pressing challenges. The success of the Yelloway breeding program has provided proof that sustainable resistance to these diseases is possible, ensuring a more resilient future for banana production.
The hybrid banana plants are currently approaching flowering and fruit-bearing stages in greenhouse environments. Field trials in the Philippines and Indonesia—regions severely impacted by TR4 and Black Sigatoka—will soon begin, marking a crucial step in assessing the commercial viability of Yelloway One.
Collaboration Driving Innovation
The Yelloway initiative combines cutting-edge scientific research with advanced breeding technologies to develop resilient banana varieties. By integrating traditional crossbreeding with DNA sequencing and genetic analysis, the initiative accelerates the process of developing new banana hybrids. A vast collection of banana species serves as the foundation for creating hybrids that meet the highest standards of sustainability and quality.
“Each obstacle we overcame represented a significant milestone,” said Dr. Fernando García-Bastidas of KeyGene, who has led the research. “From the initial greenhouse trials in the Netherlands to the creation of Yelloway One, we have proven that our approach works, and we are excited to continue delivering innovative banana varieties in the years to come.”
