Results: Bye Bye Bananas?

Have you heard the news that bananas might go extinct?

There are many reasons behind this issue, some of them excruciatingly scientific. But the gist is that there is a fungal disease threatening the largest exporter of bananas in Africa. Were you aware that the previous biggest exporter of bananas was completely wiped out by a similar disease back in 1965?

Part of the reason we are facing this issue again is because when the original fungus happened, the banana industry settled on one replacement and basically all other bananas are a clone of this one. There is not enough variety in the banana world. And now the plague will threaten to wipe them all out. Do you think we are taking too many shortcuts in agriculture these days?

It will take massive resources to try and contain, or even stop, this fungus. At present, because of monoculture in the banana world, there aren't really any good alternatives. GMOs and hybrids are being considered. Would you be open to these options?

Would you be upset if the banana was gone for good?