A Revolutionary Step in Sustainable Banana Production, Combining Disease Resistance with the Classic Traits of the Cavendish Variety

Chiquita Brands, alongside its partners KeyGene, MusaRadix, and Wageningen University & Research (WUR), has announced a significant advancement in banana cultivation by introducing Yelloway One. This revolutionary banana hybrid is not only resistant to the devastating fungal disease Tropical Race 4 (TR4) but also partially resistant to Black Sigatoka, two of the most impactful threats to global banana production.

The Yelloway initiative, launched in 2020, aims to safeguard the future of bananas by developing varieties that can withstand these diseases, while maintaining the familiar attributes of the widely-consumed Cavendish banana. The development of Yelloway One represents a turning point for the industry, marking the first time a banana has successfully combined resistance to both TR4 and Black Sigatoka.

TR4, a variant of Fusarium Wilt of Banana, and Black Sigatoka, a Black Leaf Streak Disease, have long plagued banana producers worldwide, causing losses amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars each year. The breakthrough presented by Yelloway One’s natural resistance to these pathogens, achieved through crossbreeding, is seen as a crucial step forward in the fight against these destructive diseases. This success is particularly important for an industry that has faced increasing threats from disease and climate pressures.

The Yelloway One plants have already reached the flowering and fruit-bearing stages within greenhouse settings and will soon be subjected to field trials in both the Philippines and Indonesia, regions that have been heavily impacted by TR4 and Black Sigatoka. These trials are expected to confirm the commercial potential of the new hybrid, showcasing its resistance capabilities in real-world growing conditions.

According to a press release, the collaboration between Chiquita and its partners has combined cutting-edge scientific research and advanced breeding technologies to drive the Yelloway project. The cornerstone of this initiative is an innovative breeding platform that merges traditional crossbreeding methods with advanced DNA sequencing and genetic analysis, expediting the process of developing new, disease-resistant banana varieties. This sophisticated approach leverages a wide array of banana species, allowing the creation of test hybrids that meet the highest sustainability and quality standards.

Dr. Fernando García-Bastidas of KeyGene, who led the Yelloway One project, notes that the hybrid is the culmination of three years of intensive research and development. The team utilized a comprehensive strategy involving genetic diversity, plant biology, and state-of-the-art genetic tools to achieve this milestone. “Each obstacle we overcame represented a significant milestone,” García-Bastidas stated. “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.”

The accelerated breeding process behind Yelloway One is a direct result of data-driven innovations that have shortened the traditionally lengthy timeline for developing new banana breeds. This faster and more efficient method has proven to be effective in creating a banana hybrid that is both resistant to diseases and retains the traits consumers expect from their bananas, such as taste, appearance, and shelf life.

The focus on sustainability is central to Yelloway’s efforts. As emphasized by Professor Gert Kema of Wageningen University, creating disease-resistant banana varieties is not just about securing the future of banana production—it is also crucial for supporting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across continents, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. By enhancing biodiversity within banana cultivation, Yelloway One, and future varieties like it, offer an opportunity for growers worldwide to cultivate more resilient and economically sustainable crops.

The intellectual property developed through Yelloway will not only serve the commercial banana sector but also benefit public initiatives. The innovation driving Yelloway One is expected to contribute to the development of non-export banana varieties with enhanced resistance to diseases, thus supporting a more sustainable future for banana production globally.

Chiquita Brands International, a leading global produce company operating in nearly 70 countries, has been at the forefront of quality banana production for over 150 years. The company’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its “Behind the Blue Sticker” initiative, which emphasizes sustainable farming, biodiversity, and community support across its banana plantations. Chiquita’s iconic Blue Sticker is a mark of their dedication to delivering great-tasting, high-quality bananas that are also fat-free and a source of potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6.