News: Scientist from The University of Queensland identified a genomic region that provides resistance to Fusarium wilt Subtropical Race 4 (STR4).
About Panama Disease
- Panama disease, also called banana wilt, is a destructive plant disease that affects banana crops.
- Caused by: Soil-dwelling fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense), especially its virulent Tropical Race 4 (TR4) strains.
- Global Distribution: It specifically impacts the Cavendish banana (G9 Banana cultivars) across Asia, Australia, the Middle East, and Africa.
- Note: In India, over 60% of banana cultivation consists of the G9 variety.
- Farmers in states like Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh get severely impacted by Panama disease.
- Infection Process: The fungus enters young roots, often through wounds. It spreads through the plant’s vascular tissues, blocking water flow. The fungus survives in soil for many years, making replanting difficult.
- Symptoms: Yellowing at edges of older leaves, leaf wilting and collapse, brown or black discoloration inside stems and eventual death of the plant.
- Control Challenges: Soil fungicides and fumigation are largely ineffective. Bananas are sterile and grown clonally, so breeding resistant varieties is difficult.
- Best Long-Term Solution: Developing and planting disease-resistant banana cultivars remains the most effective strategy.
