Over the years, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has addressed the fight against Fusarium Tropical race 4 (TR4) from various areas and through different channels.

The Plant Production and Protection Division (NSP) and its team on Transboundary Plant Pests and Diseases leads the efforts in developing and implementing mechanisms to mitigate the potential impact of transboundary plant pests and diseases, including Fusarium Tropical race 4.

Recognizing TR4 as a major transboundary disease challenge, FAO underscores the importance of a prevention strategy that includes the enforcement of phytosanitary measures, awareness raising activities, contingency planning, rigorous surveillance, rapid containment, local quarantine measures and capacity building.

Through its Plant Production and Protection Division, FAO supports the development of contingency plans in Africa and Middle East countries, alongside various capacity-building activities targeting all relevant value chain actors. In addition, the division supports the response on the ground whenever any incursion or outbreak is reported.

The International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC), hosted by the FAO, focuses on preventing the global spread of plant pests and diseases while ensuring that trade and transport remain unimpeded. By implementing its standards, the IPPC plays a key role in protecting plant resources, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding the environment. Its network encompasses Regional and National Plant Protection Organizations (RPPOs and NPPOs) from its 184 country members.

The IPPC addresses major plant health threats, such as Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) publishing relevant resources regarding the disease. The IPPC also manages a global pest reporting system, under its National Reporting Obligations (NROs), which enables countries to share timely information on TR4 outbreaks and distribution.

FAO’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean has developed a comprehensive strategy to combat Fusarium wilt TR4 in the region, focusing on prevention, preparedness, detection, response, and recovery. In partnership with OIRSA, FAO has facilitated simulation exercises across multiple countries such as Belize, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ecuador, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua and Panama, strengthening phytosanitary measures, contingency planning, and biosecurity. These initiatives have yielded positive outcomes, such as Colombia's containment of TR4 and Ecuador's updated phytosanitary legislation.  

FAO has also developed and published a Regional Strategy and Action Plan for the Prevention, Preparedness, Detection, Response, and Recovery of Latin America and the Caribbean against Fusarium Wilt of Musa Species and it is about to publish a Methodological Guide for the Implementation of Simulation Exercises.

The Regional Office has also established the Community of Practice (CdP) on Fusarium in Musa for Latin America and the Caribbean, an open platform that fosters the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and lessons learned to enhance regional and national capacities.

The Joint FAO/IAEA Centre for Nuclear Techniques in Food and Agriculture employs a comprehensive strategy to combat Fusarium wilt TR4, focusing on both genetic resistance and sustainable suppression methods. The Centre studies the genetics of bananas, using advanced methods to create disease-resistant plants and exploring the natural diversity of banana species to strengthen their resilience. At the same time, the Centre develops innovative biological solutions, like beneficial microbes, to control the disease in the soil and develop cost-effective diagnostic tools.

In regions particularly at risk, such as parts of Africa, the Centre works closely with local agricultural institutions to strengthen their ability to manage and control TR4. By offering training, sharing knowledge, and providing advanced tools, it helps local experts improve disease monitoring by implementing cutting-edge technolo