Cavendish banana

Cavendish banana is the most widely grown and consumed type of banana in the world today. Named after William Cavendish, the 6th Duke of Cavendish, who is credited with having propagated the plant from cuttings in his greenhouse in England in the 19th century, the variety itself originated from Southeast Asia.

It was introduced to other parts of the world, including the Canary Islands, from where it was later exported to the Americas and became a staple in global agriculture. Cavendish bananas are known for their distinct features: they are medium-sized, have a thick, bright yellow skin when ripe, and are sweet with a creamy texture.

This variety of banana is especially favored for its resistance to diseases that affected previous staple banana cultivars, like the Gros Michel, which was devastated by Panama disease in the mid-20th century. Despite its current dominance and popularity, the Cavendish banana is not without its challenges.

It is susceptible to a strain of Panama disease called Tropical Race 4 (TR4), which threatens its production globally. The monoculture farming practices associated with Cavendish bananas also raise concerns about biodiversity, as reliance on a single variety increases vulnerability to pests and diseases.