A killer fungus is destroying millions of bananas and threatening the world's supply of the tasty fruit.

The soil-borne fungus called the Panama disease has already affected crop supplies in Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Banana apocalypse, banana get in. In our last episode, Mauricio Dia.S. Granados told us that there was a disease

threatening to wipe out our beloved bananas, and it's true. On that cherry note, welcome to

part two of the Gastropod Banana Fest. Yes, you're listening to Gastropod, the podcast that

looks at food through the lens of science and history. I'm Nicola Twilly. And I'm Cynthia Graber.

Last episode, we told you the story of how

the banana became the most popular fruit in America and how it transformed the countries where it was grown.

This episode, we look at where the threat of the banana apocalypse came from and what scientists and

breeders are doing to save the banana. We've got parakeets, naked presidents, and a whole bunch of exciting new bananas that we're

auditioning for the role of banana of the future.

This episode is supported in part by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation for the public

understanding of science, technology, and economics.

Gastropod is part of the Vox Media Podcast Network in partnership with Eater.

Support for this episode comes in part from the 2025 James Beard Awards, presented by Capital One.

Every cuisine is an intricate fusion of history, culture, environment, and creativity.

Cooking is more than following a recipe and throwing a meal

together. It's a complex blend of all the systems that make us human. James Beard Award-winning

chefs are not only culinary experts, but also anthropologists and artists. Capital One is proud

to be the presenting sponsor of the James Beard Awards, but the

sixth year in a row, where the best of the industry will be honored for culinary excellence.

To learn more, visit the 2025 James Beard Awards Hub at jamesbair.org slash awards,

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