DESIGNER-GENE BANANAS ON THE WAY

OAKLAND, Calif. -- It looks like bananas will follow tomatoes as the next genetically altered commodity to hit produce departments.

banana that is genetically altered to halt the ripening process.

Bananas are grown in the tropics and harvested while still green to permit shipping to distant markets. According to DNA Plant Technology, the genetically engineered banana will produce less ethylene, the hormone which hastens the ripening process once it is released by the fruit. Such slower-ripening bananas could be left on the plant longer, improving flavor and nutritional value, as well as lowering the cost of production, said Ellen Martin, a spokesperson for DNA Plant Technology.

The new bananas could be available within the next three to five years.