ROSH HANIKRA, Israel--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Rahan Meristem, with the aid of our Colombian partner Mr. Luis Alberto Restrepo President of Banarica Colombia, developed Cavendish banana plants with apparent resistance to Panama disease TR4, reports the Scientific Director Dr. Eli Khayat. The data were recently published and received tremendous public and scientific attention. The technology, does not entail genetic engineering. These data corroborate the Company’s earlier findings that its proprietary In-vitro mutagenesis technology is effective for creating novel traits. In addition to these disease-resistance data, Rahan has previously shown both an increase in banana fruit production and improvement in plant architecture.
The data lead to the achievement of Rahan's R&D objective – developing a "Cavendish" banana with resistance to fungal diseases.
“TR4 strain of Panama disease is the primary constrain in the banana industry”, stated Mr. Ron Diner, CEO of Rahan: “The fact that our technology can benefit the banana industry in a variety of ways is our major strategic goal. We are working with our partners to salvage the Cavendish banana.”
About Rahan Meristem
Rahan Meristem is considered one of the most outstanding companies for plant breeding and propagation. We use cutting edge molecular biology breeding techniques, and developed tissue culture protocols for over 200 plant genera. Rahan’s labs are among the most advanced in the world. Rahan operates 4 laboratories worldwide, in Israel, Colombia, Ecuador and the Philippines. The R&D department specializes in breeding crops by in vitro mutagenesis and genome editing.
Certain statements included in this press release are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results could differ materially from such statements expressed or implied herein as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to: the development of the Company’s gene technology; the approval of the Company’s patent applications; the successful implementation of the Company’s research and development programs and joint ventures; the success of the Company's license agreements; the successful conversion of the Company’s letter of intent into a license agreement; the acceptance by the market of the Company’s products; competition and the timing of projects and trends in future operating performance, as well as other factors expressed from time to time in the Company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). As a result, this press release should be read in conjunction with the Company’s periodic filings with the SEC. The forward-looking statements contained herein are made only as of the date of this press release, and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
