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The concentrations of free amino acids in the peel and pulp of banana (Musa sp., AAA group, Cavendish subgroup, cv. Valery) fruit during ripening at 22 °C were measured. All 20 amino acids were quantified at seven distinct ripening stages as defined by measures of internal ethylene, O2, and CO2 concentrations, aroma volatile emissions, and peel color. Volatile production commenced 2 days after the peak in ethylene production and 1 day following the climacteric peak in internal CO2. The maximum rate of branched-chain ester synthesis occurred 2 to 3 days after its onset. Production of 2-methylpropyl and 3-methylbutyl esters was much higher in the pulp compared with the peel, confirming that the pulp, rather than the peel, is the primary site of banana aroma synthesis. Of the amino acids measured, only leucine, valine, and cysteine increased concomitantly with ester formation. This was observed in the pulp, but not in the peel. The data suggest the metabolic pathways for valine and leucine formation also support, respectively, the synthesis of 2-methylpropyl and 3-methylbutyl esters. It is not clear how leucine and valine can accumulate despite the fact that they act as feedback inhibitors of their respective synthetic pathways. There was a slight peak in the formation of several other amino acids in the pulp (e.g., alanine, arginine, asparagine, glutamine, and methionine) coinciding with the climacteric respiratory peak in CO2, but a similar pattern was not seen for the peel. These data are the first to demonstrate distinct differences in amino acid metabolism in the peel and pulp of banana related to their role in ripening and aroma biosynthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports that Leena Tripathi at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Kenya has now used the CRISPR genome editing method to eradicate the banana streak virus and make plants ressitant to reinfections. Meanwhile, agricultural researchers of the Cavendish banana are trying similar tactics to make it resistant to the fungal infection Tropical Race 4.

The article informs that soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum has begun to infect banana crops throughout the world. It mentions Panama disease or Fusarium wilt of banana caused by a soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum, was the first disease in the banana that spread globally in the 20th century. It mentions that scientist James Dale has developed a genetically modified disease-resistant Cavendish banana variety; and no fungicide has been found effective against Fusarium.

Reports on the man-made Goldfinger banana hybrid produced by the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research. Characteristics; Process of hybridization used by Franklin Rosales and colleagues; Comparison with the Cavendish natural variety; Benefit for farmers.

The article discusses the project of Aditya Biotech Lab Research in creating elite banana varieties in Raipur, India. The project is funded by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) to characterize, select, and assess the somaclonal varieties during in-vitro regeneration in the farm. The study has used four elite clones of Grand naine banana variety collected across India and one original clone from Israel.

The article reports on favour among local industry stakeholders for the banana varieties developed by the Honduran Agricultural Research Foundation (FHIA) and presents views of Robert Chambers, managing director (MD) at Maroon's Pride Banana Chips Factory, on exporting instead of importing.

The article reports that Rony Swennen, an agronomist at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium, is now producing hybrid plantains in West Africa, which may well hold out hope for bananas and plantains elsewhere that are afflicted by Sigatoka disease. Through much of the tropics, banana trees have been hit by the epidemic that reduces their yields by as much as half. For the large plantations that grow bananas for export, fighting off the scourge has meant relying on fungicides. To produce these new plants, pollen from fertile varieties of plantain had to be placed by hand in 750,000 flowers of largely infertile ones. The most thoroughly tested of these black-Sigatoka resistant hybrids are being distributed now to small farmers in Nigeria.

The article examines the banana trade. The status of the banana as the world's most valuable export fruit is noted. Efforts by banana growers and botanists to develop hybrids of the Cavendish banana variety which can resist the plant diseases Black Sigatoka and Foc Tropical Race 4 are discussed. The need to develop other varieties of the banana than the dominant Cavendish to mitigate the impact of such diseases is considered.

The article offers an overview of a study published in the July 11, 2012 issue of the journal "Nature" wherein researchers sequenced the genome of a banana variety called DH Pahang.

The article offers information on a new medical development, new strains of bananas rich in iron content which will help in treating iron-deficiency anemia in pregnant mothers and prevention of maternal death during childbirth.

The article reports on the threat of losing bananas in the future all over the world with which author Dan Keoppel of the book "Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World," said that the solution to banana disease that destroyed bananas is to diversify the crop.

The article provides information on a Saba banana tree that grew in suburban Bartlett in Chicagoland, Illinois. The plant was even able to bloom and produce fruit. The tree was received by Carol and Don Tenney in 2004 as a Christmas gift. The Saba has to spend winter indoors since it is a tropical plant.

Comments on the apparent success of breeding a pesticide-free banana. Development of the world's first banana genetically resistant to the fungus black sigatoka by the Fundacion Hondurena de Investigacion Agricola in Honduras; The fungus' built-up immunity to chemicals; The new banana, designated FHIA-1 and known as Goldfinger; Details.

Reports on the Goldfinger banana, which resists fungal diseases that commonly plague the fruit. Development by the Honduran Foundation for Agricultural Research; Elimination of need for antifungus chemicals; Cross between a wild Asian banana and a Brazilian variety.

Recommends the Chiquita Jr. banana for children's packed lunches. Size of `junior' chiquita; Chiquita Brands International's technique to attain small size.