Webinar — Knowledge for Action: Sharing Experiences on TR4 and BBTV in Africa

Join us for the upcoming World Banana Forum's webinar on Knowledge for Action: Sharing Experiences on TR4 and BBTV in Africa
Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 15:00 - 17:00 CEST.
Bananas and plantains are staple foods for millions across Africa, playing a critical role in food security, global nutrition, and rural livelihoods. However the sustainability of banana production is increasingly under threat due to emerging plant diseases, which are spreading rapidly and jeopardizing livelihoods across the continent and beyond.
Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is a soil-borne fungal disease caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 which poses a major challenge for the global banana industry.
Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) is a is a highly aggressive viral disease transmitted primarily by the banana aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) and through infected planting materials. It can cause total yield loss and spreads rapidly within and between plantations, making phytosanitary measures and clean planting materials crucial to prevent its dissemination.
This webinar aims to showcase the experiences of African actors with Fusarium TR4 and BBTV. It will offer insights into their experiences, initiatives, and efforts highlighting their achievements and approaches to manage this significant threats to banana production.
Objectives:
- Share experiences and challenges faced by African stakeholders in managing TR4 and BBTV;
- Highlight research efforts and response measures implemented across key banana-producing countries in Africa following BBTV and TR4 incursions;
- Foster global multistakeholder collaboration connecting Africa’s efforts with the international community to collectively find solutions against these threats.