Chief Plant Research Officer Provides Insight on Pathogens Update # 4

The Foc pathogens act as typical soilborne fungi. Resting spores of the pathogen can remain viable in the soil for decades, thus limiting the cultivation of susceptible banana germplasm in infested soils. The fungus penetrates the roots spreading to the vasculature, releasing toxins, and causing plants to secrete gelatinous substances that eventually cause wilting and mortality of the banana plant. Vegetative propagation of planting material and reliance on nearly exclusively based ‘Cavendish’ lines that are susceptible to TR4 has threatened the production of export and local banana industries. Thus, prevention and management strategies at national and international levels must be implemented against this destructive disease that seriously threatens the global banana industry.