Disease has sparked a worldwide banana crisis

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Cheryl Santa Maria

Digital Reporter

Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 7:03 PM - The global banana industry is being threatened by a fast-spreading disease that's sparking a worldwide 'banana crisis', CNN Money reports.

The risk is so elevated that this week's International Banana Congress was moved from Costa Rica to Miami at the last minute, in hopes the attendees wouldn't transport the disease to Latin America via the dirt on their shoes.

The disease -- which is referred to as "Panama disease" or "Fusarium wilt" -- has spread from Asia to Australia, Africa and the Middle East.

It targets the Cavendish banana, the variety that's favoured by Canadian consumers.

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Scientists are working to determine which new banana variety could replace the disease-vulnerable Cavendish.

Researchers in Taiwan have created a "mutant" variety of Cavendish that's being tested in parts of Asia. While scientists say the development is "promising", the fruit may not be flavourful enough or suitable for around-the-world transport.

So far, the disease has stayed out of Latin America, which is the primary banana provider to North America and Europe.

The global banana industry is estimated to be around $36 billion US.

Source: CNN Money

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