Bananas under threat of extinction
Bananas are one of the world’s five staple foods, with 100 million tonnes of bananas being produces annually in 120 countries.
However, online journal PLOS Genetics reports that the threat of a new fungal disease could be putting our beloved banana in jeopardy. The Sigatoka complex – made up of fungal diseases yellow Sigatoka, eumusae leaf spot and black Sigatoka – could potentially wipe out the yellow fruit completely in ten years.
Black Sigatoka poses the greatest risk in the complex, as it is capable of producing enzymes to break down the banana plant’s cell walls and shut down its immunity system.
Fortunately, researchers at the University of California, who discovered the threat, say that the findings better equip researchers to develop disease-resistant banana plants and more effective disease-prevention treatments.
How do you think the extinction of bananas would affect our lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below.
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