Banana is one of the most popular and consumed fruits around the world, in addition to being a nutritious and affordable option for different audiences. However, recently news has spread about the possible demise of bananas. In this article, we will explain why bananas are endangered. Check out!
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Reason for the risk of extinction of bananas
Bananas have a wide variety of species, such as silver banana, apple banana, dwarf banana, gold banana, among others. However, in addition to those that we currently know, there were other types of banana that became extinct due to a plague, more precisely a fungus that became known as the Evil of Panama.
Until the 1950s, the most consumed banana species in the world was called Gros Michel. However, Panama disease spread and was responsible for destroying many banana plantations.
Thus, the solution found at the time was to bet on a variety of this fruit that was resistant to the fungus. That's when the Cavendish banana appeared, which became popular across the globe. In Brazil, this variety was called nanica banana or water banana.
Recently, a fungus similar to Panama Disease appeared in Asia, called TR4. This pest is capable of causing the same disease as years ago, and this time it is also affecting Cavendish bananas.
It is noteworthy that, even with a great diversity of species, bananas differ little in their genetic composition. In addition, they are all sensitive to both fungi, including our famous silver banana and apple banana.
What is being done to control the situation?
Scientists have been trying to create genetically modified banana varieties. The aim is to make them more resistant to pests. However, the currently existing lineages do not please the public.
Despite this, there is a type of wild banana found on the island of Madagascar that has been studied to assess whether this species contains genes capable of protecting it from the pest.
For the time being, the new fungus remains isolated on the Asian continent. It is expected that the microorganism will not find ways to reach the American continent, since the main banana plantations in the world are located in this region.
Now that you've discovered whether bananas are at risk of extinction or not, take the opportunity to forward this article to inform that friend of yours who would also like to know.