FAO and SELA convene virtual workshops on Fusarium TR4 diagnosis

The World Banana Forum (WBF), within the framework of the TR4 Global Network initiative and the Emergency Project on Fusarium TR4 in Latin America of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Subregional Office for Mesoamerica, has organised three Workshops with the support of the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) to strengthen the knowledge of official phytosanitary agencies and capacities of banana industry stakeholders regarding various issues related to the Fusarium wilt of banana, Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4).

FAO has convened three virtual Workshops on Fusarium TR4 diagnosis, surveillance, inspection and simulation exercises on 24 March, 19 April and 10 May 2022 for representatives of National Plant Protection Organisations (NPPOs), inspectors, managers, pest risk analysis experts, policy makers, researchers supporting NPPOs, producer/exporter associations, extension services and local government authorities.

The aim is to address the procedure to carry out a proper diagnosis of TR4 for early warning, as well as the tools and protocols needed for Fusarium diagnosis and the procedure to conduct specific surveillance for the detection and delimitation of the fungus.

Within the framework of SELA's multi-year work programme, the Fusarium Diagnostic and Monitoring Workshops are part of the Sustainable and Resilient Development Programme, which aims to build the necessary knowledge for the implementation of social development policies.

The Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) fungus causes the wilt disease of musaceous crops (bananas and plantains). It is considered the most destructive disease of bananas and plantains and is one of the ten major diseases in the history of agriculture. Foc TR4 is present in 19 countries worldwide. In Latin America, it is found in Peru and Colombia.

The agenda of the workshops, which will be delivered online, includes diagnosis, inspection and surveillance for Fusarium TR4 in bananas, as well as simulation exercises.

The TR4-related events cover various aspects of the disease, such as the challenges faced during the diagnosis of TR4, which can lead to improved early detection systems for the disease, the estimation of economic impact of an incursion, surveillance techniques, biosecurity measures, awareness raising and communication, promising resistant/tolerant varieties, remote sensing technologies, mobile applications and procedures for the safe introduction of banana germplasm.