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Scientists Discover New Way to Save Bananas from Extinction

By: MerxWire

Bananas are rich in potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and dietary fibre, which help regulate muscle function and prevent cramps. This makes them particularly beneficial for post-exercise energy replenishment. Additionally, eating bananas can improve mood, relieve stress, and contribute to overall health.

Bananas are rich in nutrients, delicious, cheap, and common fruit. (Photo via Pixabay.com)

BOSTON, MA (Merxwire) – Bananas have become an indispensable fruit in our daily lives. They are often paired with toast or cereal, enjoyed after exercise, or used in desserts and cakes. Over 100 million tons of bananas are consumed globally each year, with the average person consuming over 10 kilograms annually. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), international banana exports in 2023 reached nearly 19.17 million tons, with a global trade value exceeding $10 billion.

However, bananas are currently facing an unprecedented crisis. A plant disease known as “Yellow Leaf Disease,” caused by a fungus, threatens the global banana supply chain. The disease is primarily caused by the TR4 strain of Fusarium oxysporum, which infects the roots of banana plants, blocking the flow of water and nutrients and ultimately causing the plant to wilt and die. This situation is even more challenging because this fungus can survive in the soil for decades, with no effective treatment currently available. Once a banana plantation is infected, it is almost impossible to save.

The good news is that scientists have made significant breakthroughs. A research team led by the University of Massachusetts Amherst has recently discovered that the virulence of the TR4 fungus is related to its specific genes. Researchers successfully identified the accessory gene responsible for producing nitric oxide, a gas that weakens the banana plant’s defence system. When these genes were removed, the fungus’s toxicity was significantly reduced. This discovery opens up new possibilities for controlling Yellow Leaf Disease. The research was published in the journal Nature.

Furthermore, Australia has approved a genetically modified Cavendish banana with enhanced disease resistance. Large-scale trials are underway, and if successful, more disease-resistant banana varieties may appear. These breakthroughs bring hope to the banana industry, and more disease-resistant banana varieties may be seen.

In addition to genetic modification, experts recommend promoting banana variety diversification. While over 1,000 banana species are worldwide, over 90% of the market is dominated by Cavendish bananas. Increasing the cultivation of other banana varieties can improve the industry’s disease resistance. Consumers can also support farmers by purchasing a variety of bananas, helping to reduce dependence on a single variety.

Bananas have high nutritional value. They help defecate and supplement minerals and vitamins and can also help lose weight. (Photo via Pixabay.com)

While Yellow Leaf Disease is indeed a global crisis, the latest scientific research and technological advancements provide hope. Through genetic modification, variety diversification, and enhanced disease prevention measures, the battle to protect bananas is far from lost. Next time you buy bananas, consider trying different varieties—not only will it enrich your palate, but you’ll also cont.

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