Jeju develops low-height banana variety for citrus greenhouses

The Jeju Agricultural Research and Extension Services is developing a new ‘Jeju-style low-height banana’ variety designed to be cultivated within existing citrus greenhouses. The project aims to reduce the high facility investment costs and heating expenses that have caused the number of banana farms in Jeju to drop from 27 in 2018 to 8 this year.

The new variety targets a height of 2.3 meters or less, compared to the typical 4–5 meters of standard bananas, allowing for easier integration into citrus facilities. Researchers are also developing a once-a-year production technique to lower winter heating temperatures to approximately 15°C without compromising fruit quality. The goal is to achieve a fruit weight of over 30kg per bunch and a ripeness sweetness of at least 17 Brix.

While the global banana industry faces threats from the TR4 Panama disease affecting the Cavendish variety, Jeju officials stated there have been no significant local outbreaks. The research currently focuses on height and sweetness, with disease resistance testing to follow. The new variety is expected to be applied for patent in 2027 and distributed to farmers starting in 2028.