Because all edible varieties of bananas are sterile, introducing new genetic traits to help cope with pests and diseases is nearly impossible. Nearly, but not totally. Very rarely, a sterile banana will itself experience a genetic accident that allows an almost normal seed to develop.

Are real bananas extinct?

Bananas are the world's most popular fruit, but the banana industry is currently dominated by one type of banana: the Cavendish (or supermarket banana) that we all know and love. The Cavendish banana rose to fame in 1965 when the previous banana superstar, the Gros Michel, officially became extinct and lost the throne.

Did humans create bananas?

- Bananas: Believe it or not, bananas are man made. The yellow delight that goes back around 10,000 years was was apparently a blend of the wild Musa acuminata and Musa balbisiana species of banana. You can try either of them and you'll find a rather foul taste.