The future of bananas may be in doubt...

Warning comes as Costa Rica declares 'national emergency' over state of crop. Photo / Thinkstock

The world's supply of bananas is under threat from plagues of bugs and fungal infections which could be disastrous if they continue to spread, researchers say.

The government in Costa Rica, one of the biggest suppliers of the fruit, has already declared a "national emergency" over the state of its crop.

The country's half-a-billion-dollar banana export industry has been hit by two separate plagues of mealybugs and scale insects, with up to 20 per cent of its produce written off.

Magda Gonzalez, the director of the agriculture ministry's State Phytosanitary Services (SFE), told The Tico Times last week that climate change had boosted insect populations in recent years, making plagues increasingly likely across the world.

"I can tell you with near certainty that climate change is behind these pests," she said. The insects weaken plants and cause blemishes on fruit, leading to vast batches being rejected.

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