Family Farming Knowledge Platform

Together, we can prevent the spread of Tropical Race 4 (TR4)

Investments in agriculture, including in innovation in the banana sector, are crucial to increasing the capacity for agricultural productivity and sustainable food production systems are necessary to achieve #ZeroHunger. With a general public audience in mind, the brochure Together, we can prevent the spread of TR4 seeks to explain why bananas and plantains are essential crops around the world for both their economic importance and deep cultural roots. It also highlights the main ways to combat the spread of Tropical race 4 (TR4) which causes the disease Banana Fusarium Wilt (Banana FW). Bananas are the most exported fruit in the world, while plantains contribute greatly to food security and to income generation as a cash crop in countries where they are produced. A transboundary soil-borne fungus, TR4 is recognized as one of the most destructive pests in the history of agriculture and the world’s greatest threat to banana and plantain production. The disease affects many varieties including Cavendish bananas which provide around half of global banana supply. Currently, the most effective approach to combat TR4 is prevention of its spread into clean areas and immediate containment when it is detected. Diversity is also key to prevention of TR4. Diversification of crops and better use of available genetic resources are key to building resilience to the disease in the long term. Emphasis is placed on the support needed for disease management and recovery in TR4 affected countries in which international collaboration and local action are essential.

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Organization: FAO
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Year: 2020
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Type: Fact sheet
Content language: English
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