The banana as we know it will probably no longer exist in a few years. We explain why the Cavendish banana is on the brink of extinction
Since around 1950, a single, special type of banana has been traded and sold on the world markets almost exclusively. It replaced the "Gros Michel" (engl. "Big Mike") banana variety after it was no longer profitable due to the worldwide spread of the fungal disease "Yellow Sikatoga" and the "Panama disease". The variety in question is the Cavendish banana. In contrast to "Gros Michel", the Cavendish banana was more robust against the aforementioned diseases. In addition, despite a thinner and therefore more sensitive shell, it offered the advantages of denser planting tolerance and greater storm resistance due to its lower growth height. In fact, the banana is a berry, and while its perennials look like trees, it's one of the tallest herbaceous plants in the world.
Origin and designation
The name of the banana variety is derived from William Cavendish, 6th Duke of Devonshire, also known as "Bachelor Duke". Born on May 21st, 1790 in Paris, he died on January 18th, 1858 in Hardwich Hall, Derbyshire. The namesake came from one of the richest English families and planted the first bananas in Europe in his huge greenhouse, the "Great Conservatory", around 1830.
Menace of the Cavendish Banana
Today, the Cavendish banana is itself endangered due to a new strain of fungus (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) called Black Sikatoga or Black Leafy Meadow. It is expected to disappear from world markets within the next 10 years. After the apple, the banana is the most popular fruit in Germany and the most popular export fruit in the world. The huge market, with a trading volume of almost 7 billion euros, is essentially divided among just three companies: Chiquita, Dole and Del Monte. Of course, these companies are not indifferent to the threat of losing this market.
Reproduction of the species
Because the Cavendish banana trees do not form seeds, but only "asexually" vegetativelycan be propagated by shoots, the plant cannot develop resistance to pests. This would require the genetic mutations of sexual reproduction, i.e. by seeds. Companies are trying to counteract this threat with strict quarantines so as not to infect even more plants. However, launching a new banana variety requires more characteristics than high pest resistance. It would also have to taste good, be able to withstand long-distance transport without damage and have its maturing process controlled industrially. Efforts to combat fungal infestation with pesticides have largely failed. Attempts are therefore being made to develop a new resistant banana variety through genetic engineering. Possibly also with the help of wild banana plants or locally limited cultivated forms from India or Southeast Asia.