Are bananas threatened with extinction?

Panama disease could mean the end of banana

Although bananas are still available for purchase in all supermarkets, their existence is seriously threatened. The so-called Panama disease, a type of fungal infection, has spread in Africa and Asia. Until now, there is no antidote. Most commercial surfaces for bananas are in South America. Experts fear the end of the banana if the fungal disease is to reach South America.

A possible greeting is seen by Malagasy banana scientists, an original, undomesticated form. This style of banana with inedible fruit seems to be immune to the deadly plant disease. But even this species is close to extinction. In Madagascar, only five fruit trees are known. The species has recently been placed on the red list of endangered species.

Bananas could disappear in five years

Scientists at the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens in the United Kingdom see the Malagasy banana genes as a possible solution to the disease Panama. But first, this form must be saved from extinction. "We can not do the research until it is saved," says Richard Allen, who oversees the preservation of the Kew Royal Botanic Gardens, opposite the BBC. If no solution to this problem is found, the exotic berry, with its many healthy qualities, could disappear in five years.

What is Panama disease?

Panama disease is a fungal disease that is the root of a disease banana infestations. It was first documented in the 1950s in Panama and spread from there in the neighboring states of Central America to Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras and Guatemala. The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. triggered cubes. This has already extinguished the Gros Michel banana species, which has been exported from Central America to the United States. Now, the most cultured Cavendish banana in the world is considered threatened. There is no known chemical option for controlling this fungal disease.

Are wild relatives the solution?

At the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, wild relatives of crops are kept and studied. According to the experts working there, these original species contain an incredible amount of genetic diversity that is an invaluable resource for crop improvement. According to the researchers, many of their features have the potential to make crops more resilient so that they can adapt to new climatic conditions.

Twelve percent of wild plants threatened with extinction

According to scientists, all species of wild plants threatened extinction. Clearing, urbanization, climate change and conflict in crisis areas are the most common causes of mbadive extinctions. (Vb)