Gros Michel

Gros Michel

Approximately 30 Gros Michel Bananas

Gros Michel, also known as "Big Mike," is a variety of banana that was once the dominant export banana to North America and Europe. It is known for its large size, thick skin, and sweet flavor. The Gros Michel banana was the primary export banana until the mid-20th century when it was largely replaced by the Cavendish banana due to its susceptibility to Panama disease.

History

The Gros Michel banana was first cultivated in the Caribbean and Central America. It became the leading export banana in the late 19th and early 20th centuries due to its favorable characteristics for shipping and storage. The thick skin of the Gros Michel made it resistant to bruising during transport, and its sweet taste was popular among consumers.

Characteristics

Gros Michel bananas are larger than the Cavendish variety, with a thicker peel and a creamier texture. The bananas have a rich, sweet flavor that is often described as more intense than that of the Cavendish. The plant itself is robust, with tall pseudostems and large leaves.

Panama Disease

Banana wilt (1919)

The decline of the Gros Michel banana was primarily due to its vulnerability to Panama disease, a fungal infection caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense. This disease attacks the roots of the banana plant, causing wilting and eventually plant death. The spread of Panama disease in the mid-20th century devastated Gros Michel plantations, leading to the variety's replacement by the more resistant Cavendish banana.

Cultivation

Despite its decline in commercial production, Gros Michel bananas are still grown in some regions for local consumption. They are cultivated in small-scale farms in parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Efforts have been made to develop disease-resistant varieties of Gros Michel, but the Cavendish remains the primary export banana due to its resistance to Panama disease.

Related pages

• Banana
• Cavendish banana
• Panama disease
• Fusarium oxysporum