Bananas are in danger: diseases and climatic changes threaten one of the world’s most popular fruits

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 10. 29. 09:30

Global warming and weather extremes are seriously affecting banana cultivation, which is one of the dominant agricultural sectors in tropical regions. However, in addition to the weather challenges, another, at least as threatening, factor also endangers the future of the fruit: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, a plant-pathogenic fungus that spreads faster and faster and causes enormous damage to crops. The situation is further aggravated by trade uncertainties, inflation and exchange rate fluctuations, all of which affect fruit prices – Agrárszektor points out.

Fusarium infection: the struggle from the 20th century to the present day

The R1 strain of Fusarium oxysporum wreaked havoc already in the first half of the 20th century, especially in South America. At that time, no effective solution was found to treat the infection, so the only option was to eradicate the affected plantations and plant Cavendish varieties resistant to the disease. Today, these resistant Cavendish bananas account for more than half of the world’s production.

However, the successful defense proved to be only temporary. A new strain of Fusarium called Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is now a serious threat to Cavendish varieties as well. TR4 infection causes the plant’s transport tissues to die, leading to wilting, leaf drying and ultimately plant death. In addition, there is currently neither an effective chemical control method nor a resistant variety suitable for market needs, so prevention of infection is the only possible way.

Global spread of TR4 and challenges for control

The TR4 strain has so far been identified in 22 countries, mainly in South and Southeast Asia, as well as the Middle East, Africa, Oceania and South America, highlighting the global gravity of the situation. In response to the problem, the TR4 Global Network (TR4GN) was created to help prevent and reduce damage at an international level. The aim of the network is to create cooperation between banana growers and professionals, since bananas are an essential player in terms of food security, especially in developing countries, where cultivation provides a significant source of income.