Your favourite banana might no longer exist.
The Cavendish banana, comprising 47% of global consumption, faces extinction due to the spread of Panama Disease (Fusarium wilt) tropical race 4.
This disease disrupts the plant’s water absorption and photosynthesis, ultimately leading to its demise. Historically, a similar fate befell the Gros Michel banana variety, replaced by the immune Cavendish.
Scientists are pursuing various approaches to combat the threat. Some are developing genetically modified Cavendish strains resistant to TR4, while others explore grafting and natural selection techniques. However, skeptics argue that these solutions may only offer short-term relief.
Journalist Dan Koeppel proposes diversifying banana varieties as the ultimate solution. He advocates for a shift away from monoculture towards cultivating and selling multiple banana types.
This strategy, seen in the apple industry, reduces disease risk, provides consumer choice, and increases profits for growers.
Nonetheless, concerns about price, transportation, and ripening processes present hurdles to implementing this idea.
Despite ongoing efforts, no definitive solution has emerged, leaving the fate of the Cavendish uncertain. The potential end of the Cavendish era looms, echoing the historical transition from Gros Michel to the now-threatened variety.
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