CRISPR might be the banana’s only hope against a deadly fungus

Researchers are using the gene-editing tool to boost the fruit’s defences and prevent the extinction of a major commercial variety.
The race to engineer the next-generation banana is on. The Colombian government confirmed last month that a banana-killing fungus has invaded the Americas — the source of much of the world’s banana supply. The invasion has given new urgency to efforts to create fruit that can withstand the scourge. (Source: nature.com)