Chiquita, in partnership with KeyGene, MusaRadix and Wageningen University and Research, has introduced Yelloway One, a banana hybrid resistant to Tropical Race 4 and partially resistant to Black Sigatoka, fungal diseases that are among the most significant threats to global banana production, according to a news release.
The Yelloway initiative’s mission is to develop banana varieties that are resistant to the diseases endangering the world’s banana supply, while maintaining the familiar look, feel, and shelf life of the beloved cavendish banana, the release said.
Yelloway One is the first edible banana to combine resistance to Fusarium wilt of banana (Tropical Race 4) and black leaf Streak disease (Black Sigatoka) — two diseases that have cost the banana industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually — and the success of Yelloway’s breeding program in producing a banana variety with natural resistance to these pathogens represents a breakthrough in sustainable banana production, the company said.
Chiquita said the development offers long-awaited solution for the banana industry, proving that resistance to Tropical Race 4 and Black Sigatoka can be achieved through crossbreeding.
The plants are currently approaching flowering and fruit-bearing stages in greenhouse environments and will soon undergo field trials in the Philippines and Indonesia — regions significantly affected by Tropical Race 4 and Black Sigatoka. These trials will be a key test in confirming the commercial viability of this new variety, the release said.
Launched in 2020, Yelloway combines scientific research with advanced breeding technologies to create banana varieties resilient to both disease and environmental pressures, the release said.
At the heart of Yelloway’s innovation is a breeding platform that accelerates the process of developing new banana varieties. The platform blends traditional crossbreeding with advanced DNA sequencing and genetic analysis, allowing for rapid identification of desirable traits. By leveraging a vast collection of banana species, Yelloway is producing test hybrids that meet the highest standards of sustainability and quality, the company said.
Yelloway One is the result of three years of research and collaboration led by Fernando García-Bastidas of KeyGene, the release said, adding that the partnership’s use of data-driven innovation has dramatically shortened the traditional breeding timeline, allowing for quicker and more effective results.
“Each obstacle we overcame represented a significant milestone,” García-Bastidas said. “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.”
As part of Yelloway’s commitment to sustainability, biodiversity remains a central focus, the release said. Professor Gert Kema from Wageningen University emphasizes that the development of new, disease-resistant varieties is essential not only for the survival of the banana industry but also for supporting smallholder farmers across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
By fostering greater biodiversity in banana cultivation, Yelloway One and future varieties will offer improved resilience and economic opportunities for banana growers worldwide, the release said. The innovation behind Yelloway One will also benefit public initiatives, as the intellectual property developed through this project will be made available for the creation of non-export varieties with enhanced disease resistance.
Related link: More about Yelloway One and Chiquita’s sustainability initiatives
