Panama disease has already wiped out one variety of banana. Now a new strain of the fungus threatens further devastation. Is genetic modification the fruit’s only chance of salvation? The Cavendish banana is in many ways the ideal fruit. It’s a healthy, tasty, fuss-free snack, packaged in an easy-to-peel skin that turns yellow at the exact moment it’s ready to eat. It accounts for 95% of the bananas we eat — around 100 per year for the average Brit — and every one is an exact clone.
