Strategies to contain the expansion of Fusarium R4T in the Colombian Caribbean do not stop

Published Nov 7, 2024

Tridge summary

Fusarium wilt of musaceae, specifically Fusarium R4T, is a highly aggressive disease affecting banana and plantain varieties, first reported in Colombia in 2019 and spreading to Peru and Venezuela. Despite affecting only 1% of Colombia's banana and plantain production, the country has implemented strict quarantine restrictions and a five-year strategy, supported by the Colombian Agricultural Institute and ASBAMA, to control the disease. This strategy includes training external sensors to identify symptoms and enhance surveillance, with the goal of delaying the pathogen's evolution and buying time for the development of more effective management strategies. Additionally, research is being conducted on promising materials for their resistance to Fusarium Race 4 Tropical, with a focus on ensuring the durability and productivity of any potential solutions.

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Original content

Fusarium wilt of musaceae is a disease that dates back to the 20th century. Today we have Fusarium R4T, which is the most aggressive and affects both banana and plantain varieties. This pathogen was first reported in the American continent in 2019, particularly in Colombia, later appearing in Peru in 2021 and recently in Venezuela in 2023. Colombia so far has this disease present only in bananas and is under quarantine restrictions in La Guajira and Magdalena, ASBAMA detailed in a press release. In the first department, it indicated, the outbreaks are recorded in Dibulla and Riohacha, while in the second, in the Banana Zone and Santa Marta. Currently, about 99% of Colombia's banana and plantain production is free of the disease. Which highlights that only 1% of the country is affected. Catalina Quintero is an agricultural engineer and plant pathologist linked to the Technical Directorate of Epidemiology and Phytosanitary Surveillance of the Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA, ...

Source: MXfruit