The Cavendish banana, which is eaten all over the world, is at risk of becoming extinct because of a fungal disease that destroys crops and is resistant to chemical treatments. Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, also known as Panama disease, has already spread through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, UK and Central America, with crops in South America potentially under threat. Scientists hope to create a resistant hybrid banana, using one of five, rare Madagascan trees that are immune to Panama disease. Around five billion Cavendish bananas are eaten in the Australia annually.
The Cavendish banana, which is eaten all over the world, is at risk of becoming extinct because of a fungal disease that destroys crops and is resistant to chemical treatments. Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense, also known as Panama disease, has already spread through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Central America, with crops in South America potentially under threat. Scientists hope to create a resistant hybrid banana, using one of five, rare Madagascan trees that are immune to Panama disease. Around five billion Cavendish bananas are eaten in the UK annually.