Future of Bananas

James Dale is aDistinguished Professor andthe inaugural Director of theCentre for Tropical Crops andBiocommodities at QueenslandUniversity of Technology inAustralia. He has been involved inbiotechnology research for morethan thirty years with a specificinterest in bananas. Jamesand his team have created theworld’s first genetically modifiedbanana approved for commercialproduction, called QCAV-4. Hehas lead research projects inAsia, Africa and South America,and has received many awardsrecognising his work includingthe Companion of the Order ofAustralia. This is his first book.

'TheFuture of Bananas is not only an engaging account of the historyand science of this ubiquitous fruit but it is clear and insightful explanationof genetic modification that should be read by everyone who approves or opposesthis science.' Mark Kurlansky, New York Times bestsellingauthor of Salt: A World History'James Daleis both the Einstein and the Indiana Jones of bananas. The tale of hisglobal quest to preserve the yellow fruit from a deadly pandemic is grippingand sure-footed, despite the supposed slipperiness of its subject. It is also aparable about how science can help solve real-world problems—when it is allowedto.' Tom Standage, New York Times bestselling authorof An Edible History of Humanity'James Daleis one of the key players in the race to save the banana fromcommercial extinction. His brilliant account of his work is essential readingfor anyone interested in ecosystems, biology, genetics, or who justloves bananas and wants to see them survive.' Dan Koeppel,author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World‘James Dale'sThe Future of Bananas makes a compelling case for optimism despitewarnings of an impending "bananapocalypse." Dale brings decades ofscientific expertise to the banana's complicated history of exploitation anddisease, showing how the industry has adapted before and can again. He exploresmultiple paths forward, focusing on new technologies while remaining open todiverse solutions rather than privileging any single fix. The challenges arereal, but so are the solutions.’ John T. Lang, Associate Professor ofSociology at Occidental College and author of What's So ControversialAbout Genetically Modified Food?'This is afascinating exploration about not just the humble banana, but a fruitwhose history encompasses colonialism, war, globalisation, drug trafficking,changing consumer tastes and scientific breakthroughs. Dale also makes aneloquent case for the importance of embracing GM technologies -- if we want tocarry on eating the world's favourite fruit.' Harry Wallop,award-winning consumer journalist and author of Consumed: How We BuyClass in Modern Britain'TheFuture of Bananas is a gripping, insider account of the race tosave world’s favorite fruit from all but certain extinction. If you’ve evereaten a banana, you should read this book.' George Zaidan, authorof Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of Plants, Poisons and ProcessedFoods'Written inengaging prose by a leading biotechnologist, The Future of Bananas providesan accessible entry into the complex world of banana biodiversity,genetics, and the challenges of overcoming plant disease in a dynamic,interconnected world shaped not only by biotech, but also small-scale farmers,business corporations, governments, and microbes.' John Soluri, authorof Banana Cultures: Agriculture, Consumption, and EnvironmentalChange in Honduras and the United States