Charles T. Bryson, USDA ARS, bugwood.org
by Rebecca (Ellie) Rattan, Communication major
Bananas face a new stumbling block in their history that could threaten their existence as we know it. The past tells us that we have already lost the majority of our beloved banana breed, the Gros Michel, to a disease. Eventually the Cavendish variety took over and now accounts for 45% of all banana sales. But the Cavendish banana is susceptible to a plant disease,the TR4 strain of Panama disease.
Though the plague was originally discovered in 1989, no solution has been found to keep the infection from spreading. The fungus likes to spend its time in the soil and the banana bearing countries are taking preventative measures thwart off any further of the crop’s population.
Not only are they in danger of being taken out by Panama disease (TR4) but they also have other factors like other diseases and insect infestations, help to make the issue of banana production at even higher risk (CNBC).
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CNBC > Yes! We have no bananas? It could actually happen
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This blog post was an assignment for Societal Issues: Pesticides, Alternatives and the Environment (PLNTPTH 4597). The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the class, Department of Plant Pathology or the instructor.