Apr 28, 2018 | Uncategorized
In September 2017 the inauguration of Professor Gert Kema as professor by special appointment for Tropical Phytopathology at Wageningen University & Research took place. During his inauguration Kema revealed what it will take to save the banana.
The banana has been severely affected by fungal diseases that can only be combated by using more and more (chemical) plant protection products. In the last century, the much-loved Gros Michel banana variety was wiped out as a result of Panama disease. But now the replacement variety Cavendish – available in every supermarket – is at risk. At his inauguration as professor by special appointment for Tropical Phytopathology at Wageningen University & Research on 21 September 2017, Professor Gert Kema revealed what it will take to save the banana.
Professor Kema’s special chair is funded by the Dioraphte Foundation and hosted by the Laboratory of Phytopathology.
More information about the inauguration: https://www.wur.nl/en/newsarticle/Banana-has-a-future-after-all-1.htm
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Feb 13, 2018 | Uncategorized
An international team of scientists led by Wageningen University & Research has discovered a new genetic mechanism that makes the notorious Black Sigatoka fungus less sensitive to the main chemical crop protection products used against the disease. The discovery shines light on this increasingly reduced sensitivity and underlines the importance of developing banana varieties resistant to the fungus which causes Black Sigatoka.
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Jan 5, 2015 | Studies, Uncategorized
For the coming five years, Stichting Dioraphte is making available over 1.7 million Euros for the banana research of Wageningen UR. Part of this will be used for a research project which will start soon. The larger part of the sum will be used to fund a depth study within the current banana research.
Boosting
Stichting Dioraphte has previously been involved in the banana research led by Gert Kema, a banana expert at Wageningen UR. At the start of the research for the fungal disease Black Sigatoka in the period 2007-2009, Stichting Dioraphte provided a financial boost for the Wageningen UR research. Stichting Dioraphte is very impressed by the current extent of the programme, and therefore decided to greatly support the banana research over the next five years with a new donation.
Deepening the research into Panama Disease
A large part of the donation will be used to deepen the current research into Panama Disease in bananas. Kema: ‘With this financing, it will be possible to expand the team and establish strategic research lines.’
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