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Tuesday 15 April 2014

Derbyshire banana threat shock


Derby Telegraph reports on fungal problems with the Cavendish banana, the western world's most popular banana developed in Derbyshire. No I didn't know that either.

A VARIETY of banana created in Derbyshire and eaten around the world is in danger of becoming extinct because of a deadly disease.

The Cavendish banana was first grown at Chatsworth House by gardener Joseph Paxton in 1835.

It is now thought to be the most popular variety in the western world, accounting for 95% of the bananas shipped to export markets, including the United Kingdom.

It is a trade worth £5.4 billion. But scientists have warned that it is under threat from Tropical Race 4 (TR4), a fungus which has already destroyed Cavendish crops in Taiwan, Indonesia and Malaysia.

3 comments:

Sam Vega said...

For me, it's more of a "Derbyshire banana origin shock".

Demetrius said...

William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Devonshire, I believe. As a bachelor he could afford to treat himself.

A K Haart said...

Sam - it was for me too. I had to check it wasn't an old April 1st story.

Demetrius - even to the extent of growing customised bananas. Now that is posh.