Bananas almost went extinct 70 years ago – Now a deadly fungus is trying again
Cavendish bananas face a serious threat from the Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense TR4 fungus, which is difficult to eradicate. Research highlights the need for diversifying banana species to prevent crop failure.
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Bananas are facing a new threat from a deadly fungus known as Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) tropical race 4 (TR4), which is particularly harmful to Cavendish bananas, the most widely consumed variety. This fungus poses a significant risk as it is nearly impossible to eradicate once it infects a banana field. Research published in Nature Microbiology indicates that the current strain differs from the one that nearly wiped out the Gros Michel bananas in the 1950s. The study, led by Li-Jun Ma from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, identified specific accessory genes in Foc TR4 that are crucial for the fungus's ability to invade banana plants. These genes are linked to nitric oxide production, which plays a role in the pathogen's virulence. While the Cavendish variety was initially bred to resist earlier fungal strains, its vulnerability is increasing due to monocropping practices that reduce genetic diversity. The researchers emphasize the importance of diversifying banana species to mitigate the risk of widespread crop failure. The findings are a step toward developing effective strategies to combat the ongoing threat posed by Foc TR4.
- Cavendish bananas are threatened by the Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc) TR4 fungus.
- The current strain of Foc differs from the one that caused the Gros Michel banana extinction in the 1950s.
- Accessory genes linked to nitric oxide production are key to the fungus's ability to infect bananas.
- Monocropping practices contribute to the vulnerability of banana crops.
- Diversifying banana species is recommended to reduce the risk of crop failure.
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4 commentsBeats me why do journalists insist there's a single kind of banana.
In fact I hope that all fruits that have been made oversweet go extinct, to be replaced by their heirloom varieties going back a couple of centuries. As it is, I avoid the oversweet fruits that require me to brush my teeth after eating them.
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