26 Oct 2023

Cavendish banana faces possible extinction

From Morning Report, 6:22 am on 26 October 2023

The world's most common banana variety is facing possible extinction, stoking concerns of a worldwide shortage.

A fungal disease called the Panama Disease tropical race 4, or TR4, is spreading to plantations across the world.

It's a big threat to the Cavendish Banana, which around half of the world's population import and eat.

Hugh Rose is a Northland banana grower and chair of Tropical Fruit Growers of New Zealand.

Rose spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.