Project Number: 5320-21000-011-05
Project Type: Specific Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Sep 30, 2004
End Date: Sep 30, 2009

Objective:
Assist the local banana industry in developing an in-vitro propagation protocol for apple banana, and to test the efficacy of Provado on aphid vectors of banana bunchy top virus. The second thrust is to develop a propagation and grow-out system for potential GMO and non-GMO plants. The third objective is to compare the nutrient uptake of GMO and non GMO papayas and to determine the degradation of GMO protein of papaya in monogastrics using swine as the test animal. The final objective is to assess the market factors that influence the sales of GMO tropical fruits.

Approach:
Existing plant tissue culture laboratory program will attempt to develop an in-vitro protocol for apple banana micropropagation. The efficacy Provado on aphid vectors of banana bunchy top virus will be tested using varied application methods such as spraying, injection and root up-take. An environmentally controlled soil-less system will be developed and tested for the propagation of GMO and non-GMO plant species using seeds and cuttings. Tests will be conducted under greenhouse and outdoor conditions to determine the uptake of nutrients in GMO papayas. Finally, a survey will initiate a market research program on GMOs that help to assess the marketing and economic factors that are associated with GMOs. Documents SCA with UH Hilo. Formerly 5320-21000-010-09S (06/06).