The Star of South Africa daily reported recently that Ugandan scientists have taken biotechnology one step further when successfully breeding bananas rich in vitamin A and iron, about four times more than the banana itself. Of course. New banana varieties give carrot-colored fruits.
Successful breeding bananas with nutritious carrots
To produce this banana variety, the scientists isolated the genes of bananas and transplanted them on carrots to form a genetically modified banana.
Illustration.
According to scientists from the Uganda National Agricultural Research Center (NARO), the new banana variety is not only rich in vitamin A and iron, but also has resistance to nematode worms , capable organisms reducing up to 60% of crop production in Uganda.
NARO research director Andrew Kiggundu said the new banana variety would help improve the nutritional deficiencies of Ugandan people and reduce about 40% of yield losses for people compared to traditional banana varieties.
Every year, in developing countries, about 600,000 children under 5 years of age die from vitamin A deficiency . Vitamin A deficiency is also a cause of maternal blindness and death.
