In this month's New Agriculturist...

Agriculture rarely hits the headlines and, at a time when political turmoil and threat of war is taking up so much coverage, it is a surprise to see an agricultural story cause a stir. But when the top headline of the New Scientist reads "Last days of the banana" and warns that the world's favourite fruit is about to disappear, it is hard not to sit up and take notice. The excitement and clever titles generated in the newspapers and on air certainly brought the plight of the banana to people's attention but how serious is the threat of extinction for this crop, which is not only an important commodity but a valued staple in many countries? In Points of View, we have asked scientists - and others with a special interest in the crop - to peel off the hype and give us their opinion on whether bananas have a healthy future.

Since September 11th 2001, there have been fears of terrorist attacks and the possible use of biological agents used as weapons. Anthrax, a disease that can affect both animals and humans, is one such agent that has given concern. However many other zoonotic diseases, such as rabies, BSE, brucellosis and cysticercosis, while not associated with terrorism, nevertheless cause much suffering to those affected and much financial hardship to farmers. This month we turn our Focus On zoonoses and ask what is being done to inform farmers and the public about the risks.

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Points of view The future of bananas Focus on Zoonoses Once bitten... BSE to CJD? Relieving the burden of brucellosis? West Nile Virus: From Africa to America Getting the measure of tapeworms Hidden health problems caused by fish-borne trematodes From rats to bats and beyond In Print Silent invaders: Pesticides, livelihoods and women's health Ecoagriculture: Strategies to feed the world and save wild biodiversity World water and food to 2025/Global water outlook to 2025 Building businesses with small producers: Successful business services in Africa, Asia and Latin America State of the World 2003 Reforming agricultural markets in Africa Business skills for small-scale seed producers Peru: An Oxfam country profile Groundnut Way out of the woods: Learning how to manage trees and forests Guidelines for exporters of fruit and vegetables to the European markets Picture Feature Sweet Success

Perspective Thinking like a wolf By Jules Pretty News Foot and mouth: stamping out the disease in Asia ...but on the run in Africa Pesticides are poisoning millions Sorghum provides a better beer for Uganda? Project planning needs pro-poor approach Yellow crazy ants on the march in Australia Money for honey GM milk protein breakthrough Trials contest pest resistance claims Termite taskforce tackles trash Fingerprinting for basmati rice Fairtrade fortnight boosts UK sales Regulatory framework for GMOs 'Ham'ateur radio for agricultural extension Developments A healthy aversion to smut Weaver ants: traditional pest control method under threat Putting people before trees Eye to eye: diagnosing internal parasites Country Profile Cambodia

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