Banana is a fruit that is consumed in huge quantities, but global warming is also affecting it all over the world. Shelf prices are expected to rise further, and some crops will be affected by the fact that temperatures rise in regions where bananas grow best, such as Central and South America.

India is the largest producer of bananas in the world, followed by China, Indonesia and Brazil. Such countries as Costa Rica, Ecuador and Guatemala successfully occupy the first place among the exporting countries.

An international forum on bananas took place in Rome these days, and the conclusions do not sound good, as global warming increases the overall costs of production and will further increase the prices of this yellow fruit, which can be found in millions of stores.

Crops have been hit in recent years by severe weather events, which have also become more frequent in warmer parts of the globe, and bananas are sensitive to rising temperatures, meaning some areas where crops have been great could fail.

A big problem with rising average temperatures is that diseases that can cause significant damage to crops spread more easily. For example, one type of fungus can completely destroy a plantation where it reaches, and no fungicide or pesticide is effective.

The fungus is called Fusarium Wilt TR4 and has appeared in Australia and Asia, but in recent years it has also reached South America and Africa. This fungus has mutated and threatens to affect the most popular banana variety in the world: Cavendish.

Pests can spread during floods as well as during strong winds. More frequent extreme weather events facilitate disease transmission.

Growers also face higher energy, fertilizer and transportation costs. In many places, it is difficult to find labor, especially since the pay is not high, and the pickers have to raise.

Particularly important exporting countries such as Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica will be affected by rising temperatures, but Ecuador will be less affected.

Sources: BBC, CBS, The Weather Channel

Photo source: Dreamstime.com