How a genetically modified, disease-resistant Australian banana could prevent a global crop collapse

Source: ABC Science 

In a small plot in the Northern Territory, banana plants have thrived for almost a decade in soil that should kill them. According to those who have tried the fruit, they taste exactly like a banana should. But the plants near Humpty Doo have a secret hiding in their DNA: a genetic modification that protects bananas from a disease that is on the verge of wiping out crops around the world. James Dale, an agricultural biotechnology researcher at the Queensland University of Technology, helped develop the disease-resistant banana — the world’s first genetically modified banana to be approved in Australia.

Commercial release of cotton genetically modified for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance (Bollgard® 3 ThryvOn™ cotton with XtendFlex® Technology)

Source: Office of the Gene Technology Regulator

Australia’s Office of the Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) has issued license DIR 216 to Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., authorizing the commercial release of cotton genetically modified (GM) for insect resistance and herbicide tolerance. 

The GM cotton contains 4 introduced genes from a common soil bacteria that confer insect resistance to common pests of cotton. Three of these genes provide protection against bollworms and one provides protection against certain bugs, aphids and thrips.  The GM cotton also contains 3 introduced genes for tolerance to herbicides glyphosate, glufosinate, and dicamba. The genes enable the GM cotton plants to grow in the presence of these herbicides, which can be used to control weeds in the GM cotton crop. 

Colorado foundation, Bioceres to develop HB4 wheat commercially

Source: Capital Press – 24 September 2025

Argentina-based Bioceres Crop Solutions Corps and the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation will jointly develop and commercialize HB4 wheat in the United States.  HB4 is a transgenic wheat trait that incorporates drought tolerance transferred through a sunflower gene. According to Bioceres, HB4 wheat demonstrated up to a 43% yield improvement in targeted environments. As part of the collaboration, Bioceres will grant the research foundation “exclusive, sublicensable rights” to the HB4 trait in the U.S. territory.

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center shifts focus to gene editing for wheat resilience as GM varieties stall

Source: Economic Times – 21 September 2025

The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) is ramping up investments in gene editing technology to enhance wheat crop resilience, with Director General Bram Govaerts calling it a “future” technology amid ongoing regulatory and technical challenges facing genetically modified wheat. 

ABCA Communique – 07 March 2025

Dr Joe Smith | Chair

The Agricultural Biotechnology Council of Australia (ABCA) convened at the National Press Club in Canberra today, bringing together leading farming, agriculture, biotechnology, industry, and science organisations, as well as key stakeholders. The meeting provided a forum to address current and significant issues related to biotechnology and Australian agriculture. Read more.