Scientists at two Belgian universities have discovered that human retrovirus drugs normally used to fight HIV can eradicate viral diseases in bananas.

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Researchers at Gembloux University and the Catholic University of Leuven have found that banana streak virus, which has been impossible to eliminate until recently, uses the same type of enzymes as human viruses to replicate itself.


The compounds adevoir and tenoovir were found to be particularly effective in eradicating the virus from the banana.


The scientists said the use of pesticides in banana farming would be considerably reduced as a more disease-resistant variety of fruit now became available.

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Just Food Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Just Food Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

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Winning five categories in the 2025 Just Food Excellence Awards, Centric Software is setting the pace for digital transformation in food and FMCG. Explore how its integrated PLM and PXM suite delivers faster launches, smarter compliance and data-driven growth for complex, multi-channel product portfolios.

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