A pioneering breed of genetically modified (GM) banana plant could reach a field site in Uganda as early as next month. The tiny plants, currently awaiting transport at the Catholic University of Leuven, Belgium, are expected to become the first GM bananas to enter field trials in Africa. Although unlikely to replace traditional varieties, they may open the door to other GM crops.

The plants have been genetically modified to resist black sigatoka, a leaf spot disease caused by the fungus Mycosphaerella fijiensis. The disease can reduce banana production by up to 50%, and so is an attractive target for genetic engineering.