A farm in Ecuador proves that it’s possible to restore ecosystems and break the conventional chemical cycle

Banana growers worldwide face several challenges, primarily from aggressive phytopathogens that have decimated entire varieties. In order to address these challenges, conventional banana farming has for decades relied on an escalating cycle of synthetic fertilizers and intensive use of herbicides, fungicides, and other chemical interventions. 

The long-term results of this conventional paradigm have been an increase in frequency and intensity of these practices, soil degradation and erosion, poor water retention, and a decrease in the nutritional quality of the fruit. This affects ten million acres of banana farms all over the world, primarily concentrated in Latin America. Bananas are the most consumed fresh fruit in the world, and Latin America currently produces 80 per cent of them.

Phytopathogens: The Main Enemy

Around 1990, Black Sigatoka (Pseudocercospora fijiensis) appeared in the Americas. Producers were able to control this devastating foliar disease using fungicides, but, as a result, chemical resistance emerged. To maintain control, more frequent applications became necessary, and today a combination of two fungicides is typically used in each application. In Central America, industry standards often reach as many as 70 applications per year. In my country of Ecuador, some regions average 25 applications per year, while in more aggressive areas the average reaches 50.