A Disease NOT PRESENT IN GUYANA

Whilst the Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is currently not found in Guyana our local farming community and the general public is asked to be aware. The disease was discovered for the first time in Latin America (more specifically Columbia) and the Caribbean this year.

What is Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4?
Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Cubense and is considered the most destructive disease to bananas. It also affects other crops like plantains and heliconias.

How is Fusarium oxysporum Tropical Race 4 spread?
* TR4 is spread by the movement of infected planting material. The disease is spread between plants via root to root contact and from parent plants to suckers.
* The disease can also be spread by soil and water. Anything that moves soil, such as contaminated machinery and equipment, vehicles and shoes can carry the disease.

The disease affects Lady Finger, Ducasse and Cavendish banana varieties, and can remain in the soil for as long as 30 years.

Here are some signs and symptoms of infection:
· External symptoms include yellowing along the leaf margins, wilting of the older leaves and eventually plant death.
* Internal symptoms include dark purple/red streaking in the pseudostem.

Why should you care?
TR 4 can hinder trade of our banana (musa spp.) on the world market and cause great financial loss to local farmers of Guyana.

What can you do?
* There is no known cultural or chemical cure for this disease, therefore PREVENTION IS

THE BEST STRATEGY
* Do NOT bring into Guyana any plant, seedlings or vegetative material without the required Plant Quarantine Import Permits/Approval.
* Avoid sharing planting materials, equipment and machinery with other growers. Materials used must be clean and sourced from certified disease-free sources
* Do not attempt to remove or destroy affected plants suspected of TR 4 infection as this may increase the risk of spread

If you suspect that your farm is affected, contact the National Agricultural Research and Extension Institute: National Plant Protection Organisation on 220 5858 or nppogy@gmail.com