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Together, we can prevent the spread of Tropical Race 4 (TR4)

TR4 Global Network - An initiative of the World Banana Forum

Year of publication 2020

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 8p.

Author FAO

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Brochure, flyer, fact-sheet

Edition 1

Synopsis (short abstract) Investments in agriculture, including in innovation in the banana sector, are crucial to increasing the capacity for agricultural productivity and sustainable food production systems are necessary to achieve #ZeroHunger. With a general public audience in mind, the brochure Together, we can prevent the spread of TR4 seeks to explain why bananas and plantains are essential crops around the world for both their economic importance and deep cultural roots. It also highlights the main ways to combat the spread of Tropical race 4 (TR4) which causes the disease Banana Fusarium Wilt (Banana FW). Bananas are the most exported fruit in the world, while plantains contribute greatly to food security and to income generation as a cash crop in countries where they are produced. A transboundary soil-borne fungus, TR4 is recognized as one of the most destructive pests in the history of agriculture and the world’s greatest threat to banana and plantain production. The disease affects many varieties including Cavendish bananas which provide around half of global banana supply. Currently, the most effective approach to combat TR4 is prevention of its spread into clean areas and immediate containment when it is detected. Diversity is also key to prevention of TR4. Diversification of crops and better use of available genetic resources are key to building resilience to the disease in the long term. Emphasis is placed on the support needed for disease management and recovery in TR4 affected countries in which international collaboration and local action are essential.

Language English

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    Diagnosing Tropical Race 4 from field to lab
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    Early detection and diagnosis of the presence of Tropical Race 4 (TR4), combined with rapid destruction of infected banana plants and on-farm restrictions, are the only ways to control and contain the disease-causing fungus. Process on how to diagnose TR4 – From field to lab outlines some actions farmers/growers can take to recognize the symptoms of TR4. These include: always keep an eye out for TR4; notify authorities such as the National Plant Protection Organization (NPPO) to report any suspected TR4 signs and symptoms; await relevant authorities for specialized inspection; facilitate the collection of samples that can be packaged, labelled, and sent with a secure chain of custody to a specialised laboratory; and ensure laboratory testing, which, alone, can truly confirm a TR4 outbreak. Other possible diagnoses of plants afflicted with TR4-like symptoms are also outlined in the document. Sometimes, what was initially suspected to be TR4 turns out to be a different disease or natural phenomenon. In any case all suspected cases should be treated as potentially hazardous.
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    What is Tropical Race 4?
    TR4 Global Network - An initiative of the World Banana Forum
    2020
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    The purpose of the infographic What is Tropical Race 4 (TR4)? is to inform the general public on the nature of the Tropical race 4 (TR4) with some key facts on its origins and how it spreads. One fact that is emphasized is that TR4 is not harmful to humans and does not affect the fruit itself. Support is needed for disease management and recovery in affected countries as well as for international collaboration and national actions. This is one of a pair of two infographics on TR4 and its prevention.
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