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Precautionary measures to combat Tropical Race 4

TR4 Global Network - An initiative of the World Banana Forum











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    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Diagnosing Tropical Race 4 from field to lab
    TR4 Global Network - An initiative of the World Banana Forum
    2020
    Early detection and diagnosis of the presence of Tropical Race 4 (TR4), combined with rapid destruction of infected banana plants and on-farm restrictions, are the only ways to control and contain the disease-causing fungus. Process on how to diagnose TR4 – From field to lab outlines some actions farmers/growers can take to recognize the symptoms of TR4. These include: always keep an eye out for TR4; notify authorities such as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) to report any suspected TR4 signs and symptoms; await relevant authorities for specialized inspection; facilitate the collection of samples that can be packaged, labelled, and sent with a secure chain of custody to a specialised laboratory; and ensure laboratory testing, which, alone, can truly confirm a TR4 outbreak. Other possible diagnoses of plants afflicted with TR4-like symptoms are also outlined in the document. Sometimes, what was initially suspected to be TR4 turns out to be a different disease or natural phenomenon. In any case all suspected cases should be treated as potentially hazardous.
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    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    Tropical Race 4 prevention strategies
    TR4 Global Network. An initiative of the World Banana Forum
    2020
    Managing the movement of soil, water and plant material entering and exiting farms is the key to effective on-farm biosecurity. Prevention is currently the primary way to avoid new Tropical race 4 (TR4) invasions. Intended for a development practitioner audience, TR4 prevention strategies, details, step by step, how early detection, rapid destruction of infected banana and plantain plants, and on-farm restrictions are the only way to control and contain TR4. A country’s regulatory framework is explored in this document, with, for example, the following steps to be taken: designation of TR4 as a quarantine pest; setting up a monitoring system to promptly detect incursions; enacting of regulations that allow the National Plant Protection Organisation (NPPO) to intervene on farms. On-farm biosecurity is only effective if the standard for practices are high, and if practices are adhered to at all times. A single practice failure can potentially lead to the introduction of a new pest or disease. With this in mind, ten biosecurity measures are listed, which if enforced, enable farmers/growers to help to protect not only their own farms, but also their country's banana industry. In addition, practical and detailed steps for farm visitors and for international travellers are included in the document.
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    Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet
    What you need to know about Tropical Race 4
    TR4 Global Network - An initiative of the World Banana Forum
    2020
    Also available in:

    The flyer, What you need to know about TR4, aims to inform the general public with basic information about Tropical race 4 (TR4). The underlying message is that actions can indeed be taken to help prevent the spread of the pest and that the way forward is for stakeholders across the banana industry to act with urgency and in a collaborative manner. Fusarium Tropical race 4 (TR4) is a strain of the soil born fungus, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense whose spores can lie dormant in the soil until a susceptible plant is established nearby. These spores infect the plant through the roots and inhabit the banana or plantain plant’s xylem vessels, blocking the flow of water and nutrients. Fungicides can't save plants that are already infected with TR4, and the fungus's spores persist in soil for decades. Therefore the most immediate approach to combat TR4 is prevention of its spread into clean areas and containment when it is detected. In the long term, diversification of crops and better use of available genetic resources are key to building resilience to the disease. Agro-ecological innovations will be increasingly important to produce varieties less susceptible to TR4. The flyer focuses on three practical items that a visitor to a banana or plantation farm can do to minimise the risk of spreading TR4.

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