From the Columbus Dispatch, Dec.14: "Fungus May Cause Vanilla Shortage--- Farming officials in Madagascar say a deadly and incurable crop fungus has spread widely in the island's main vanilla-producing area. Agronomic research chief Simeon Rakotomamonjy syas the situation is 'critical', with 80 percent of plantations affected in some regions. Madagascar, a large island off the coast of southeast Africa, is the world's main vanilla producer. Most of its crop is exported to the United States, where it is used for making confectionary, soft drinks, and ice cream."
Oh noes! Good thing I produce my own.... This just goes to show, though, the very very severe problems with monocultured plantations.
The "banana thing" you're talking about (black sikatoga) is the reason that you have to eat Gran Nain and Cavendish bananas instead of the superiour Gros Michels. Small growers are immune because they permaculture - papayas seem to aid resistance, but the big plantations are sorta screwed if it shows up here again....
