Ask A Scientist Botany Archive

name         Joann
status       educator
age          20's

Question -   I read an article on how the Cavendish Banana is under severe 
threat by the Panama disease, Black sigatoka and pests. My question is what is Panama 
disease and black sigatoka and how does it directly effect the production of this 
particular type of banana? Also, what type of "pests" threaten the reproduction of 
bananas?
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 I did a quick search on banana diseases and pests and found the following sites to be 
 the most comprehensive:
http://www.afrol.com/News2003/afr001_bananas.htm

http://www.bananalink.org.uk/future/future_4.htm

http://www.afrol.com/News2003/afr001_bananas.htm


From what I was able to gather there is concern about the lack of biodiversity in 
commercial banana plants world wide. Some feel that this is a setup for a disaster. I
 could not find any references that said the disaster had started -- rather concern 
 that if wiser breeding of bananas is not begun immediately this important food crop 
 could be wiped out.

Vince Calder
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Perhaps helpful:
http://www.honduras.com/fhia/banana.htm
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/banana.htm
http://www.plant-care.com/PlantTips/1999/031999.htm
and you could search www.google.com for "banana diseases pests production"


Anthony Brach Ph.D
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