Scientists have warned that Cavendish bananas could become extinct as a “catastrophic” fungal disease is poised to wipe out the world’s most popular fruit

Almost half of the world’s banana crops are at risk of extinction as a fungal disease threatens plantations around the world.

Cavendish plants in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Central America have already been attacked by Panama disease, a soil-borne fungus.

The disease causes plants to wilt by attacking their vascular systems and reducing the amount of water they absorb from the soil.

Experts recently identified early signs of the “disastrous” fungus in South America, where most of the exported Cavendish bananas in our supermarkets are grown.

Cavendish plants in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Australia and Central America have already been attacked by Panama disease, a soil-borne fungus.

Cavendish bananas account for 47 percent of global banana production and exports.

However, this variety of banana was grown to replace another that was wiped out by the disease.

Gros Michel, also called Big Mike, was the main guy until the 1950s.

The United Fruit Company popularized Gros Michael, but introduced Cavendish in 1947 when banana plantations began to die.

Cavendish was immune to the hanging and was able to dominate the market.

However, in 1997, scientists discovered a new strain in Australia called TR4 that could infect Cavendish, and in 2015 the fungus spread across the continent.

Experts recently identified the “disastrous” fungus in South America, where most of the exported Cavendish bananas in our supermarkets are grown

James Dale, professor and head of the banana biotechnology program at the Queensland University of Technology, told Insider: “It has since spread to India and China, the largest banana producers in the world.”

“It has also spread to the Middle East and Africa and was recently found in South America.”

Panama TR4 is easily spread by people, vehicles, machinery and animals through the movement of infected banana plants, planting material and contaminated soil and water.

The infection becomes noticeable when the leaves begin to turn yellow, which then leads to wilting and browning.

The stem of the banana plant then rots internally, which becomes visible as discoloration when cut open.

The infection becomes noticeable when the leaves begin to turn yellow, which then leads to wilting and browning

The stem of the banana plant then rots internally, which becomes visible as discoloration when cut open

Scientists are working on a TR4-resistant Cavendish or a resistant replacement for Cavendish, which will be achieved by developing a genetically modified version.

This is possible with CRISPR-Cas9, a precise technique that allows scientists to alter and remove sections of DNA, enabling complete eradication of the disease.

A team of researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) is also developing a genetically modified Cavendish banana variety called QCAV-4.

QCAV-4 bananas, developed in collaboration with government and industry, have been grown in field trials in the Northern Territory for over six years and have proven to be highly resistant to Panama disease TR4.

The fruit is a Cavendish Grand Nain banana, bioengineered with a single gene, RGA2, from the wild Southeast Asian banana.

“I would certainly say there will be a solution before the export market for Cavendish is seriously impacted,” Dale told Insider.

What is the history of the Cavendish banana?

The Cavendish banana is currently the world’s most important crop.

It was first grown in large quantities by the mansion Chatsworth House in the Peak District.

According to folklore, Joseph Paxton, Chatsworth’s first head gardener, was inspired by a banana he saw on Chinese wallpaper in a Chatsworth bedroom.

For almost a hundred years the story was considered a myth because no one could find the painted banana.

Joseph Paxton successfully grew bananas in Chatsworth in 1835 after purchasing one from Mauritius.

There was great excitement in Chatsworth in November 1835 as the banana tree bloomed. The following May it was loaded with more than 100 fruits.

Within a few years he had enough plants to offer to enthusiasts from all over the country.

The banana variety known as Gros Michel was initially the world leader and remained ahead until World War II.

But the Dwarf Cavendish had certain characteristics that gave it an advantage.

The only quality that allowed the Cavendish variety to assert itself as a top banana was its greater resistance to disease.

The Gros Michel was virtually wiped out worldwide by Panama disease, also known as banana wilt, caused by a fungus.

Within a decade, Dwarf Cavendish and its varieties had become the world’s most important crop.

The Cavendish banana is currently the world’s most important crop. It was first grown in large quantities at the stately Peak District estate of Chatsworth House in the 19th century (right) and is still grown there today (left).