The Future of Bananas
Will be published approx. on 2. July 2026
144 pages
E-Book
978-1-911545-82-8 (ISBN)
Description
The most eaten fruit in the world is facing possible extinction. While there are thousands of banana varieties, only one has become the West's favourite - the Cavendish: our familiar curvy, yellow-skinned, seedless fruit. But our obsession with the Cavendish has come at a cost. Years of selection and humankinds' migration across the world has left the Cavendish susceptible to disease and climate change. How can we save the future of the banana?
Professor James Dale is leading the way. Based at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, he and his team have developed the world's first genetically modified banana to be approved for commercial production. Based on the latest research and technological developments, from gene editing, cisgenics, AI design and biofortifiction, Dale shows how we could save the banana, while bringing to life its colourful history - the lucrative banana industry has resulted in political coups, drug trafficking and even murder.
Bananageddon can be prevented, Dale argues, if the world is ready to embrace a new future led by scientific change.
Professor James Dale is leading the way. Based at Queensland University of Technology in Australia, he and his team have developed the world's first genetically modified banana to be approved for commercial production. Based on the latest research and technological developments, from gene editing, cisgenics, AI design and biofortifiction, Dale shows how we could save the banana, while bringing to life its colourful history - the lucrative banana industry has resulted in political coups, drug trafficking and even murder.
Bananageddon can be prevented, Dale argues, if the world is ready to embrace a new future led by scientific change.
Reviews / Votes
'TheFuture of Bananas is not only an engaging account of the history
and science of this ubiquitous fruit but it is clear and insightful explanation
of genetic modification that should be read by everyone who approves or opposes
this science.' Mark Kurlansky, New York Times bestselling
author of Salt: A World History
'James Dale
is both the Einstein and the Indiana Jones of bananas. The tale of his
global quest to preserve the yellow fruit from a deadly pandemic is gripping
and sure-footed, despite the supposed slipperiness of its subject. It is also a
parable about how science can help solve real-world problems-when it is allowed
to.' Tom Standage, New York Times bestselling author
of An Edible History of Humanity
'James Dale
is one of the key players in the race to save the banana from
commercial extinction. His brilliant account of his work is essential reading
for anyone interested in ecosystems, biology, genetics, or who just
loves bananas and wants to see them survive.' Dan Koeppel,
author of Banana: The Fate of the Fruit That Changed the World
'James Dale's
The Future of Bananas makes a compelling case for optimism despite
warnings of an impending "bananapocalypse." Dale brings decades of
scientific expertise to the banana's complicated history of exploitation and
disease, showing how the industry has adapted before and can again. He explores
multiple paths forward, focusing on new technologies while remaining open to
diverse solutions rather than privileging any single fix. The challenges are
real, but so are the solutions.' John T. Lang, Associate Professor of
Sociology at Occidental College and author of What's So Controversial
About Genetically Modified Food?
'This is a
fascinating exploration about not just the humble banana, but a fruit
whose history encompasses colonialism, war, globalisation, drug trafficking,
changing consumer tastes and scientific breakthroughs. Dale also makes an
eloquent case for the importance of embracing GM technologies -- if we want to
carry on eating the world's favourite fruit.' Harry Wallop,
award-winning consumer journalist and author of Consumed: How We Buy
Class in Modern Britain
'The
Future of Bananas is a gripping, insider account of the race to
save world's favorite fruit from all but certain extinction. If you've ever
eaten a banana, you should read this book.' George Zaidan, author
of Ingredients: The Strange Chemistry of Plants, Poisons and Processed
Foods
'Written in
engaging prose by a leading biotechnologist, The Future of Bananas provides
an 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, author
of Banana Cultures: Agriculture, Consumption, and Environmental
Change in Honduras and the United States
More details
Other editions
Additional editions
Person
James Dale is a Distinguished Professor and the inaugural Director of the Centre for Tropical Crops and Biocommodities at Queensland University of Technology in Australia. He has been involved in biotechnology research for more than thirty years with a specific interest in bananas. James and his team have created the world's first genetically modified banana approved for commercial production, called QCAV-4. He has lead research projects in Asia, Africa and South America, and has received many awards recognising his work including the Companion of the Order of Australia. This is his first book.
