Scientists from Australia are collaborating with international researchers on a A$13m (US$8.5m) project to develop new varieties of tropical fruits including banana, custard apple, papaya, passionfruit and pineapple. Led by Murdoch University and delivered through Hort Innovation, the project aims to enhance crop genetics to improve yield, quality, taste and resilience to climate change. The project will leverage genetic resources and genomics expertise from several countries including Australia, Bangladesh, China, Czech Republic, France, Sweden, Thailand and the US, with the aim of accelerating genetic improvements and reducing the time to develop new market-ready varieties.