We love bananas around here and for that reason I'm sharing the following article. We're going to research this banana crisis and brainstorm solutions this afternoon.
End of BANANAS?
Scientists warn favourite fruit could become EXTINCT
BANANAS could be wiped off the map if more isn’t done to conserve them, scientists have warned.
By Martin Coulter / Published 5th July 2018
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/714514/bananas-face-extinction-wiped-out-fruit-science-warning-disease-panama
Experts say a special breed found in Madagascar could hold the key to keeping them alive.
But there are only five known trees in existence.
Scientists are racing to develop new banana varieties strong enough to survive Panama disease, which is a major threat to banana crops around the world.
Because bananas are clones, the disease is able to spread very quickly from one to another.
It is currently wreaking havoc with crops in Asia – but could wipe out the world’s supply if it spreads to America.
Richard Allen, senior conservation assessor at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, told the BBC: "It doesn't have Panama disease in it, so perhaps it has genetic traits against the disease.
"We don't know until we actually do research on the banana itself, but we can't do the research until it's saved."
The Madagascan variety isn’t suitable for eating – but researchers hope to create a new type of banana through cross-breeding.
But the few remaining trees are stranded on the edge of Madagascan forests, threatened by logging, fires and farming.
End of BANANAS?
Scientists warn favourite fruit could become EXTINCT
BANANAS could be wiped off the map if more isn’t done to conserve them, scientists have warned.
By Martin Coulter / Published 5th July 2018
https://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/714514/bananas-face-extinction-wiped-out-fruit-science-warning-disease-panama
Experts say a special breed found in Madagascar could hold the key to keeping them alive.
But there are only five known trees in existence.
Scientists are racing to develop new banana varieties strong enough to survive Panama disease, which is a major threat to banana crops around the world.
Because bananas are clones, the disease is able to spread very quickly from one to another.
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| GETTY |
Richard Allen, senior conservation assessor at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, told the BBC: "It doesn't have Panama disease in it, so perhaps it has genetic traits against the disease.
"We don't know until we actually do research on the banana itself, but we can't do the research until it's saved."
The Madagascan variety isn’t suitable for eating – but researchers hope to create a new type of banana through cross-breeding.
But the few remaining trees are stranded on the edge of Madagascan forests, threatened by logging, fires and farming.
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