Looking for banana experts & to be acquainted with this awesome fruit
 

Hi everyone!

I'm currently writing a science article on bananas and am interested in interviewing/chatting with banana experts/scientists/researchers/enthusisiasts.

The article I'm writing is a combination of issues, but mostly related to disease concerns about this monoculture crop as well as possible angles on what the science community is doing for advancing/modifying the plant (taste, hardiness etc).

I'm very open to ideas and would love to connect with anyone who themselves is knowledgeable or experienced in this field or can provide an idea for the article that should be shared with the public--or even another contact person. This is a new field to me and I'm enjoying the facts and information I'm learning so far.

My email is: SPiatek@Chatham.edu
Many thanks in advance to all for posting and/or emailing.

ps- I have many interests and just thought this looked a great source of information for everything bananas to start :):goteam:

Re: Looking for banana experts & to be acquainted with this awesome fruit
 

You have definitely found the best site to visit. We have some real expert members here and I feel confident that you will get the answers you seek.
Some of our members are presently or formerly engaged in banana growing and can speak directly to the subject. I can tell you that the preponderance of research in this field is in the production of resistant cultivars through selective breeding programs by organizations such as FHIA in Honduras and others like it. Other methods being explored are via genetic modifications of susceptible cultivars.
Good luck!

Re: Looking for banana experts & to be acquainted with this awesome fruit
 

Hey...thanks so much for the uplifting words! I have read a lot about the focus on disease resistance and selective breeding. Perhaps I can go with that angle then? I may be interested in chatting to you if you are able to comment on that...I think a good science story can be made personal by talking to the community too

Re: Looking for banana experts & to be acquainted with this awesome fruit
 

Welcome to the board bananawriter! :02: Run around the various forum for awhile, I am sure you can find some interesting characters to help you out. All the best.

Re: Looking for banana experts & to be acquainted with this awesome fruit
 

Welcome Aboard, Bananawriter! If you're interested in the traditional permiculture techniques for disease-resistance that are used by small-scale bananeros in Ecuador, let me know!