Sharing the science of bananas

Researchers and scientific minds from across the country convened in Cairns on November 27-28 to discuss the latest in industry research and development.

The Banana Scientific Symposium was a chance for presenters and other participants to share ideas, network and deliver up-to-date information on current projects and research activities, as well as future R&D trials.

Organized by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), the program included updates on a range of topics including Panama TR4, soil characteristics, banana varieties and diagnostics.

“There were three things we wanted to achieve out of the symposium. It was about improving networks and linkages between researchers; fostering improved collaboration on current and future research; and essentially to provide a forum for an exchange of ideas in research and development,” DAF Team Leader, Banana Production Systems, Stewart Lindsay said.

“We’ve had people presenting their science, we’ve had networking activities, and hypothetical scenarios to make people think about how they would collaborate and respond, if a new situation in the banana industry arose. It’s about building a more cohesive R&D team that supports the industry.”

More than 50 delegates attended including Australian Banana Growers’ Council Research and Development Manager Rosie Godwin. Other researchers and scientists came from Queensland DAF, NSW DPI, NT DPI&R, the University of Queensland, other universities and industry. Almost 30 speakers presented over two days.

“We’ve got people here, who in the normal course of their work don’t actually meet, but who all work in bananas. So they have really enjoyed the opportunity to be brought into the same room to share their ideas.”

Delegates who attended the recent Banana Scientific Symposium in Cairns.