UK-based biotech company to introduce non-browning bananas

UK – A UK-based biotech company, Tropic, is on the point of changing the dynamics of the banana sector by launching a non-browning banana variety in March.

They will release bananas with extended shelf life towards the end of the year. Another breakthrough from the company is a Cavendish banana that is resistant to Panama disease (TR4).

Bananas are one of the most consumed fruits globally, with over 100 billion sold every year. The Cavendish variety dominates the market, but it has long faced major challenges, including Panama disease and rapid browning, which limit its shelf life and usability in fresh-cut produce.

Bananas are difficult to transport and store, as they need to be shipped green and ripened upon arrival. They also brown quickly after being cut, making them less appealing for fresh-cut fruit products. Tropic’s non-browning banana aims to change this.

“Most fruit we see have many different varieties, but with bananas, it is predominantly the Cavendish. The banana is asexual and so does not produce seeds, making it difficult to breed them,” said Gilad Gershon, CEO at Tropic.

“But the world has changed, and growers are having to deal with increased threats from climate change, including more pests and diseases. Other fruits have been bred for the new conditions, but not the banana. We at Tropic used CRISPR gene editing to produce bananas that are non-browning.”

The fresh-cut industry, which has been growing in recent years, could benefit significantly from this development. “We have edited the genes that control the browning of the fruit, slowing the browning without changing the flavor or texture of the banana.”

According to the CEO, the fresh-cut produce industry has been expanding, and this non-browning banana completely opens up that sector to banana growers.

“It is not just for fresh-cut fruit bowls, but also fresh smoothies and juices.”

He further added that there is 30% less browning within 24 hours of peeling, which keeps the banana visually appealing longer than standard bananas.

The new banana variety has already been approved in Canada, the USA, Colombia, Honduras, and the Philippines, but is still awaiting regulatory clearance in some regions, including the European Union.

Extending shelf life for greater reach

Tropic is also working on another variety that extends the banana’s shelf life by modifying its ethylene production. Ethylene is the natural compound that triggers ripening. By altering this process, growers can leave bananas on trees for longer, improving yields.

Extending the shelf life of the banana is done by turning off the ethylene-producing mechanism in the banana. This allows the grower to leave the banana on the tree for longer. At the moment, some growers harvest the bananas before they reach full size to ship them green.

With the ethylene-producing mechanisms removed, the bananas can stay on the trees for longer, improving the yields for the growers. The bananas can still absorb ethylene to be ripened when they reach the market.

“The fruit has around an extra 10 days of shelf life, meaning it can be shipped more slowly and for less cost. It can also extend the commercial reach of the bananas,” Gershon explained.

Fighting Panama Disease

Panama disease (TR4) is a serious problem in banana-growing regions. It is caused by a fungus that remains in the soil for decades, destroying banana crops.

“We first started testing TR4-resistant bananas in 2022, and over the last few years have had a tremendous number of results. We have done the trials in greenhouses and in fields, and we are very positive about the results. We plan to have a commercial product by 2027, subject to regulatory approvals. None of our processes are GMO, so we expect approvals will come in time for product launch,” Gershon said.

Reactions and future outlook

Growers have welcomed the developments. “Growers definitely appreciate the innovations; it is their livelihoods that are at risk. We have collaborated with growers and multinational companies. Consumers can’t be looked at as one group—there are lots of different opinions out there.”

In Gershon’s view, the nature of the conversations has changed greatly in the last 6-7 years. It is not so much about GMO anymore, but more about whether it is good for the environment or not. People are looking at greenhouse gas reductions, reducing food waste, and less use of chemicals.

Tropic continues to push forward with its research, aiming to reshape the banana industry. “We have a fantastic team of over 160 people, many of whom have dedicated their careers to this research,” Gershon concluded.

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