Cross-breeding is a-peeling for bananas

William Atkins
Tuesday, 05 July 2011 23:24

Science - Biology

An Australian-European study has determined that cross-breeding of bananas is important to the future of the banana industry

Dr. Mark Donohue, of the Australian National University (ANU) in Canberra, led the team of researchers on studying the banana.

The history of the banana is largely devoid of cross breeding. In fact, over 7,000 years of growing them have found that they are rarely cross bred.

In addition, the bananas commonly found in grocery stores are mass produced, and they are infertile.

And, in Australia, the vast majority of bananas are produced for local consumption, so a disaster could wipe out a crop.

Taken together, this leaves the banana at risk from pests and disease.

The conclusion of the Australian/European researchers stated that diversifying the banana crop is important for its long-term survival, especially to defend itself from insects and diseases, and to produce a better quality banana.

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