In the Caribbean and Latin American regions, where over 28% of the world’s bananas are produced, bananas serve as a crucial economic lifeline. The banana and plantain output in this area surpassed forty million metric tonnes in 2022.
However, the growing threat of fusarium wilt, particularly from the Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) strain, requires immediate attention and collective action from these nations.
Although the disease has yet to be reported in the Caribbean, experts recommend a comprehensive strategy that includes contingency planning, early detection, and preventive measures to effectively manage this looming threat.
“Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean are highly susceptible to external shocks and climate change, which can exacerbate plant pathogenic diseases like Foc TR4,” stated a leading agricultural expert from St. Lucia’s Ministry of Agriculture.
Technical staff, extension workers, and stakeholders have undergone training to prepare for a potential Foc TR4 entry into the Caribbean through farmer field schools (FFS), supported by international agricultural organizations and regional forums.
Participants from ten Caribbean nations, including Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago, engaged in this training.
“This training empowers countries to conduct surveillance, assess risks, and implement stringent phytosanitary measures to prevent the pathogen’s introduction and ensure swift containment if an outbreak occurs,” emphasized a plant pathologist in his keynote address. He also underscored the importance of enhancing regional cooperation to combat Foc TR4 effectively.
Unlike other plant diseases that can be mitigated with pesticides or agronomic practices, TR4 poses a significant challenge. Once it infects the soil, it can persist for decades, jeopardizing banana cultivation and the livelihoods of farmers.
Recent studies, best practices, and innovative strategies were shared during a weeklong course aimed at tackling this critical issue.
“Bananas and plantains are essential for both nutritional security and economic stability in the Caribbean. Although TR4 is already present in South America, there is an urgent need for nations to collaborate and enhance their readiness through early detection, biosecurity, and contingency planning,” stated an official from the Food and Agriculture Organization. “This workshop marks the first focus on the TR4 strain using the Farmer Field School approach, ensuring participants leave better equipped to disseminate knowledge within their respective countries.”
