Many people consume bananas on a daily basis, whether or not they know what type or specie it is. Many are not aware that the Cavendish banana is actually the world's largest banana export - after its introduction in 1965.
However, the world's favorite banana has a questionable fate. The Cavendish banana is fighting a battle with Tropical Race 4, a fungal disease that originated in Malaysia.
Although this type of banana is grown in various different countries around the world, Tropical Race 4 has found its way in Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia, where the fruit is prominently grown and cultivated.
The biggest problem for banana growers is that the Tropical Race 4 fungus resides in the soil, which halters the plant from absorbing any water.
Eradicating the fungal disease isn't easy either, since "the only way to kill it is by burning plantations, then starting over in a different location with a new set of crops," as per Esquire.
Plant pathologist Joao Augusto tells CNN, "[The disease] cannot be eradicated, but it can be limited if a wide range of strong preventative and mitigation initiatives are put in place and rigorously implemented."
"In countries where the disease is endemic, growers have learned to live with it," Augusto added. Experts also note that the disease has started to infect other local varieties as well.
This isn't the first time a banana has faced this type of situation. In 1965, the "Gros Michel species of banana - which lasted longer, were more resilient, and didn't require artificial ripening - was eradicated after" the Panama disease, according to Delish.
After its extinction, many people settled on the then-inferior Cavendish. The single species has since been cloned for mass production across the world. But given its monoculture nature, the Cavendish became vulnerable to spreading infections.
Even though there are many types of bananas out there, nothing comes close to the Cavendish. The only way to save the species is for growers and farmers to alter their practices.
