FAO, in collaboration with Stellenbosh University, organised a Regional training workshop on banana Fusarium wilt (Foc TR4) in Stellenbosch and Nelspruit, South Africa. Experts from Stellenbosch University, Alliance Bioversity International - CIAT and Instituto de Investigaciones de Sanidad Vegetal (INISAV), Cuba trained eighteen participants from thirteen African and the Near Eastern countries to strengthen the capacity of national plant protection institutes to support farmers, prevent, contain and manage fusarium wilt of banana caused by Foc TR4. The workshop also improved the pest management skills of the participants, focusing on diagnostics, surveillance, monitoring, impact assessment and decision-making for effective pest and disease management.  

During 24-28 October, the workshop participants involved in several sessions and field visits to improve their knowledge of the biology and ecology of the Foc TR4 pathogen and its spread, disease management and risk assessment skills. Different existing surveillance systems were discussed and showcased to participants, and links were established between participants and experts to continue technical support on dealing with Foc TR4. 

The workshop is an essential step towards initiating a Foc TR4 surveillance programme in most countries that lack surveillance activities, and the development and publishing of standard technical guidelines for identification, diagnosis, sampling and reporting Fusarium wilt of banana TR4.