Fungus could wipe out Philippine bananas: growers

[FarCenter]

A disease that has ravaged banana plantations across Southeast Asia could wipe out the Philippine industry in three years unless the government finds a cure, a growers' group warned Monday.

The disease, called Fusarium wilt, is caused by a fast-spreading fungus that kills the plant, said Stephen Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association.

"So far, it has already infected 1,200 hectares (2,950 acres) of banana plantations locally, although that figure can go higher," Antig told AFP.

"If we can not contain this and it remains unchecked, then in less than three years our banana industry will die."

The Philippines is the second biggest exporter of bananas in the world behind Ecuador with about 70,000 hectares of plantations, according to the association.

http://www.france24.com/en/20111010-fungus-could-wipe-out-philippine-bananas-growers

[nc4bo]

1. Is this the same wilt tomatoes are prone to?

Hmmm.

[msongs]

2. many varieties are better tasting and resistant - the history of the dominant banana tells all nt