The banana industry is an $11 billion dollar industry, and bananas are enjoyed around the world. However, a terrible disease is spreading through Australia, South Asia, Africa and the Middle East and infecting bananas. The biggest problem about all of this? The disease is a fungicide resistant pathogen that’s spreading to other areas.
There is currently no way to kill this disease, called Panama disease. It’s transmitted through both water and soil, and can lay dormant for as long as 30 years...
There is currently no way to kill this disease, called Panama disease. It’s transmitted through both water and soil, and can lay dormant for as long as 30 years...
This is not the first time that this disease has almost decimated the banana population. In the 1960’s, bananas were almost driven to extinction after the fungus was found in crops in Queensland. Fortunately, the Cavendish bananas were a different strain of bananas that were able to help save and globalize banana production.
Unfortunately, this time around, it might not be easy to find a solution. Scientist must first develop a test for the crops to identify infected crops and destroy the disease. After that, a new strain of banana must be developed that will be resistant to the Panama disease. Major investments into research and development will be necessary. However, if we can’t find a way to fix this problem, the days of the banana, a healthy diet staple, are numbered.
Via www.natgeotv.com.au
Unfortunately, this time around, it might not be easy to find a solution. Scientist must first develop a test for the crops to identify infected crops and destroy the disease. After that, a new strain of banana must be developed that will be resistant to the Panama disease. Major investments into research and development will be necessary. However, if we can’t find a way to fix this problem, the days of the banana, a healthy diet staple, are numbered.
Via www.natgeotv.com.au
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