Experts race to stop bananapocalypse from hitting Latin American producers

'Fusarium wilt' is the hot topic at the International Banana Congress, where some fear it may already be too late to save the Cavendish from the fungal disease

Banana experts from around the world have gathered in Florida to find a way to halt a disease that is wiping out the fruit across the world, amid mounting fears that it may soon invade Latin America.

The International Banana Congress was shifted to Miami at the last minute from Costa Rica, following concerns that attendees would spread the disease, known as "Panama disease" or "Fusarium wilt", to the region via contaminated soil on their shoes.