Banana Growing

Scientists are researching and developing new technology to build a prototype robot arm that will provide the banana industry with a solution for the process known as banana "de-handing".

It takes effort to get bananas from the farm to the fruit bowl, with growers relying on a significant workforce to pick and pack. Now scientists are working on technology to make it easier and safer.

Genetically modified cavendish bananas that are nearly immune to a devastating fungal disease have been given approval for commercial production and human consumption in Australia.  

Tonnes of West Australian bananas that would end up as waste or mulch are being made into freeze-dried snacks and used to make products like vodka as Carnarvon growers look to reduce wastage.    

Queensland growers are on high alert this week with devastating floods increasing the possible spread of Panama TR4 fungal disease — the greatest threat to banana production worldwide.

Dimethoate is already banned in Europe, and now Australia's chemical regulator has suspended its post-harvest use on the popular fruits, so what's the risk if you've been eating them for years?

The fungal disease Panama TR4, which has no known cure or treatment, is confirmed on an eighth property in the Tully Valley.

The banana industry has welcomed a scheme that sees farmers earn credits for responsible waste disposal.

Australian researchers have developed the world's first genetically modified (GM) banana, but don't expect it in a fruit bowl near you anytime soon.

Have any extra bananas in your kitchen? Chef Carmel Carmichael has the perfect tasty treat that will be perfect for your next dessert.

Julie-Ann Murphy and Alan Petersen, whose Northern Territory farm is one of 42 properties the disease has spread to, say the loss of their crop will be devastating.

With no previous experience and only a desire to return their 10 hectares of land to its original habitat, Wal and Heather Mayr set about undoing the damage to this pristine environment, one weed at a time.

The worker shortage forces Kimberley banana farmer Lachlan Dobson to rip up 50ha of banana crop and replace it with less labour intensive, and less profitable, cotton.

The Great Southern is far from tropical, however one adventurous grower is finding great success with his crops of bananas and sugarcane.

A fungal disease that affects bananas is found at 29 locations across the Northern Territory, with authorities yet to identify a pattern behind its spread.

The fungal disease, which growers say represents a major threat to Australia's $500m banana industry, has now been found at 16 Top End properties plus a government research facility.

There has never been a better time to eat bananas, with several factors resulting in them dropping to near-record low prices. But while it is good news for consumers, farmers are struggling to turn a profit.

The banana industry is on edge after an exotic disease was detected in the Northern Territory putting the entire industry at risk. Mitchell Abram reports.

A disease seen as a major threat to Australia's $500 million banana industry has been found in the Northern Territory, three years after it was officially eradicated.

Banana growers are applying the concept of good gut health to their soils to yield healthier fruit and cut down on production costs.

Ahead of National Banana Day, Australians are being encouraged to put the fruit back on the menu, but for some people, it never left. From not ripe to overripe bananas, they've got a recipe. 

Growers believe they've become a victim of changing consumer patterns due to the pandemic, and that online orders for fruit that arrive damaged on doorsteps is hurting their reputation. 

'Farm Check-in’ aims to provide the option of using a QR code at the farm gate to gather information on visitors and educate them about their biosecurity responsibilities.

Reef scientists say Australian governments are behind on addressing key threats to the Great Barrier Reef, but farmer groups worry unrealistic targets have been set on water quality.

A critical worker shortage has left Western Australia's largest banana grower with the difficult decision of knocking down hundreds of banana trees in the East Kimberley.