Gros Michel, or 'Big Mike', was an early export cultivar of banana, and was until the 1950s the main variety exported to the United States.[1] Although there are many banana cultivars, Gros Michel was especially suitable for export to non-tropical nations. Following its susceptibility to Panama disease, a fungus which attacks the roots of the banana plant, it was phased out in favor of the VietnameseCavendish banana, which was more resistant to the disease. Less care was required to ship Gros Michel than the now common Cavendish banana.[1] It didn't require as much packaging, climate control, or date stamping because its thicker skin is less prone to bruising.[1]
The 1923 musical hit "Yes, We Have No Bananas" is said to have been inspired by a shortage of the "Big Mike" bananas, which began with the infestation of Panama disease early in the 20th century.[2]
By 1960, the major importers of Gros Michel bananas were nearly bankrupt, and had waited until the last minute to deal with the financial and environmental crisis. The Cavendish had to be cultivated so that consumers would still be able to obtain bananas.[1]
The Honduras Foundation for Agricultural Research cultivates several varieties of the Gros Michel. They have succeeded in producing a few seeds by hand-pollinating the flowers with pollen from diploid, seeded bananas. [3]
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