DR. BANANA unpeeled!
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something ripe is coming soon
Dr. Banana is a Colombian plant scientist leading global efforts to protect bananas from devastating diseases while making agricultural science understandable, human, and fun.
MEET DR. BANANA
Fernando A. Garcia-Bastidas also known as Dr. Banana, is a Colombian plant scientist, geneticist, and global expert in banana breeding and disease management of Fusarium Wilt aka Panama disease. His passion for bananas goes beyond the ordinary, delving deep into the genetic intricacies and disease-resistant properties. Dr. Banana is also a dynamic science communicator, utilizing humor and visual storytelling to make complex scientific concepts accessible to diverse audiences. This website is a gateway to the fascinating world of banana research and science communication.
unpeeled!
Roots
I grew up in Colombia, a country where agriculture is more than an industry — it’s a way of life. My career began in coffee, spending eight years breeding more resilient and flavorful varieties at Cenicafé. But one crop would soon demand my full attention: the banana.
The Turning Point
In 2019, a farmer in Colombia reached out with an SOS. The symptoms pointed to something the banana world feared most — Tropical Race 4, a devastating strain of Panama disease. I was responsible for confirming its arrival in South America, marking a critical moment in the global fight to protect bananas.
Today
I now serve as a Senior Scientist at KeyGene in Wageningen, Netherlands, leading the Yelloway banana breeding program — an international effort to develop bananas that can survive deadly diseases while still meeting the needs of farmers, companies, and consumers.
Featured Vlogs
PodCast
"Unpeeled with Dr. Banana"
Unpeeled with Dr. Banana is a conversation series that goes beyond titles, publications, and profile pictures to reveal the people behind the work.
Hosted by plant scientist and science communicator Dr. Banana (Fernando García-Bastidas), each episode brings together colleagues from the world of science and inspiring voices from art, food, culture, and beyond. The goal is simple: to explore how curiosity, creativity, and humanity shape the way we understand the world—and what we choose to grow, eat, and create within it.
From lab benches to kitchens, studios, and stages, Unpeeled is where serious ideas meet real stories. Expect thoughtful conversations, unexpected connections, and a few laughs along the way.
Launching February — stay tuned and get ready to peel back the layers. 🍌
In the media
My work has been featured across international media platforms, where I contribute expert perspectives on banana science, plant diseases, and food security. This section highlights selected interviews, articles, documentaries, and digital features that showcase my research, science communication, and collaborative work with journalists and content creators.
he world's most popular banana faces extinction but scientists' new creation could help save it
El enorme y fascinante reto de ‘reconstruir’ al banano Cavendish
Scientists See Hope in Race to Save the Banana
This Colombian Had To Tell His Country They Had A New Banana Plague
Pays-Bas, la nourriture du futur ?
here you will find all the links to most relevant links
#DrBananaGarcia ON INSTA
Services
I provide integrated scientific and creative services focused on banana health and science communication. My work includes training and diagnostics for Fusarium wilt TR4, expert talks on TR4 biology and management, and scientific consulting for research and industry. I also work as a freelance scientific illustrator, develop engaging scientific content for social media, and offer coaching in science communication, helping scientists and organizations communicate complex ideas clearly, visually, and effectively.
