The latest advances in banana research are now available at the click of a button.

A dedicated electronic R&D resource has been developed by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries in collaboration with the Australian Banana Growers’ Council and is accessible via the ABGC website www.abgc.org.au or directly at www.betterbananas.com.au.

The website features easy to navigate menus and a comprehensive search function which was considered a ‘must’ amongst growers.

It is an initiative of the National Banana Development and Extension Project which is funded by Hort Innovation with co-investment from the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and contributions from the Australian Government.

Department of Agriculture’s Tegan Kukulies and Ingrid Jenkins who led the development of the new resource said they were excited about the ability to deliver the latest R & D information on the new platform.

‘‘The type of information that you will find on the website ranges from the latest approaches being taken by the industry to develop and access varieties with resistance to Panama disease tropical race 4, all the way through to the preliminary testing of alternative products to manage crown end rot,” Tegan said.

The website also includes a pest disease and disorder ID system and will continue to develop over time.

“We aim to use the website to host updates of research trials and outputs so that growers are kept up to date in a timely manner.” Ingrid said.

The strategic levy investment project National Banana Development and Extension Program BA16007 is part of the Hort Innovation Banana Fund.

The project is funded by Hort Innovation using the banana research and development levy, co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and contributions from the Australian Government. Hort Innovation is the grower-owned, not-for-profit research and development corporation for Australian horticulture.