Prevention and management of Fusarium wilt

Executive Summary

The musaceae (plantain and banana) is considered one of the most popular fruits in the world and is among the top ten food products. Bananas are an export item of great importance for Latin America and the Caribbean, and therefore, a fundamental pillar of the economy; while the cultivation of plantain is the basis of the daily diet of the population and the generation and diversification of income. About 85% of the producers are small and their production is destined for local trade.

Fusarium wilt, caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc R4T), is one of the most devastating musaceae diseases. Annual economic losses caused by Foc R4T have been estimated at USD 121 million in Indonesia, USD 253 million in Taiwan, and USD 14 million in Malaysia. To date, there is no effective control for Foc R4T, so research and development of technologies to control the pathogen and prevent dispersal inside and outside the plots and farms is essential. The project aims to strengthen capacities for the prevention and management of Fusarium wilt in Latin America and the Caribbean, through: 1) the standardization of diagnostic methods, 2) the evaluation of biosafety and soil management practices with emphasis on biological control, 3) the evaluation of new varities for their resistance to Foc R4T, and 4) the transfer of knowledge and technologies generated to farmers.

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The technological solution

The project will generate knowledge and technology to reduce the possible impact of Foc R4T in Latin America and the Caribbean, through the development of an effective diagnostic methodology, biosafety practices and soil management, with emphasis on biological control for the suppression of the pathogen, the identification of plantain and banana varieties resistant to Foc R4T, and the transfer of technology to small and medium producers for the prevention, containment and management of Fusarium wilt.

Results

Beneficiaries

• 10,852 small and medium producers of plantain and bananas in the Region.
• 250 scientists-technicians from the participating institutions.
• 70,252 farmers in the Region (indirectly).
  

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors