tropical race 4 disease

KINGSTON, April 18 (JIS):

The Banana Board is urging plantain and banana farmers to make a report should their crops show any signs of the Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease as the country remains on high alert.

The disease is considered one of the most notable diseases in the history of agriculture and is the most destructive disease to have affected bananas, plantains and the Heliconia plant.

The fungus spreads through infected plant materials and infested soil particles attached to any item such as farm tools, shoes, clothes, animals, and vehicles.

The Tropical Race 4 (TR4) Disease of banana or fusarium wilt is a deadly disease of bananas and plantains. It is caused by the soil-borne fungus, Fusarium oxysporumf.sp.cubense. TR4 is not currently present in Jamaica and it is very important to keep it out of the country. If you see signs of TR4, contact the PQPI Branch at 977-0637 or 977-6401 or the Banana Board at 922-2083 or 383-7235. Click here to visit TR4 webpage.