Discoveries in gene mutations

        Is it fair for scientists to receive money for their discoveries in gene mutations? For example the Gros Michel Banana, his is the type of banana the United Sates imports in mass daily. Personally I have a banana every morning. The Gros Michel banana, is also the type of banana that is mass produce but is dying due to soil fungus. If a scientist could genetically mutate this Banana, so it would not be effected by the fungus, should they be paid for their discovery? Without a mutation Bananas would most likely go instinct.