Abstract
Scientists from 11 nations announced plans to sequence the genome of banana (Musa acuminata), with projected completion within five years. Banana crops are important worldwide: the annual estimated 95 million tonnes grown is the main food source for half a billion people and represents the fourth largest staple crop. The banana genome is 500 to 600 million base pairs; roughly five times the Arabidopsis genome. Because banana plants are clonally propagated, the crops have little genetic variation and scientists worry about crops being wiped out. In developing countries, diseases and pests destroy many crops. Emile Frison, of the International Network for the Improvement of Banana and Plantain told reporters ‘the goal is to create a crop that's disease-resistant but also has other quality traits, like improved nutritional value.’ [Fehr-Snyder, K. (2001) The Arizona Republic 19 July, p. B1; Coghlan, A. (2001) New Sci., 21 July, p. 7] TS
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