In the mid 1900s, the most popular banana in the world—a sweet, creamy variety called Gros Michel grown in Latin America—all but disappeared from the planet. At the time, it was the only banana in the world that could be exported. But a fungus, known as Panama Disease, which first appeared in Australia in the late 1800s, changed that after jumping continents.
The disease debilitated the plants that bore the fruit. The damage was so great and swift that in a matter of only a few decades the Gros Michel nearly went extinct.
Now, half a century later, a new strain of the disease is threatening the existence of the Cavendish, the banana that replaced the Gros Michel as the world’s top banana export, representing 99 percent of the market, along with a number of banana varieties produced and eaten locally around the world.
And there is no known way to stop it—or even contain it.
oSTORY
That’s what happens when man tries to play God!!
I have always said the rich fertile soil of Dominica deserves something better than cannabis.
Acres and acres – no! Square mile after square mile – of beautiful rich bananas
Bananas may well be the future of Dominica.
If the scientists beat the disease that threatens the banana trees Dominican farmers would do well to consider bananas. They should begin even now to think of exporting. Other nations will be horning in. But your rich soil gives you an advantage.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
If this is scary to Dominicans it is just as scary to Canadians.
Many of us in Canada depend on a banana-a-day to keep the doctor away. In fact to keep us alive. I am one of those who must have a banana a day to replenish the potassium in my body which is depleted because of a medication I must take. The potassium renews the heart muscles. Without it they would be destroyed by the medication.
Here in Canada our best bananas are exported from nations south of here.
I hope scientists will devote their time to saving this precious crop.
I also hope Dominican farmers will explore the advantages of growing bananas. They may become their most valuable crop.
Bananas are a medical necessity for a large number of people. Coconut water is also high in potassium as are other fruits. But in my part of the world bananas are easier to get, and I expect cheaper. My physician recommended bananas.
Sincerely, Rev. Donald Hill. Evangelist.
This just CANNOT be true! The extinction of bananas? I just can’t see this as something that could happen in our lifetime. Do you believe that bananas can be entirely wiped out? That one day you won’t be able to peel a green fig to eat with your salt fish or add to your dasheen and stew chicken? As a Dominican, the thought of a life without the existence of bananas is scary, a nightmare scenario to say the least. Let’s just hope that as these bananas begin disappearing around the world our fertile soil will allow us to be the ONLY remaining country with bananas. Imagine Dominica having a monopoly on bananas! If this were to ever happen I guarantee you that every single Dominican would be involved in farming one way or another. Everywhere you look you would be seeing fields, acres, miles of bananas looking like majestic soldiers standing against the forces of extinction. Dominicans would all forget their petty political battles and focus on “the fig”! Nice dream huh??
I like your post.
PEACE
“The reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated.” –Bananas
If i didn’t know better iI’d say this scare tactic is used to drive up the price of the next “miracle crop”
Funny, that was really funny. I am worried about our bananas , though.