Ecuador battles new moko outbreaks

Ecuador’s banana and plantain industry is on alert following new outbreaks of moko, a bacterial disease that has re-emerged across approximately 3,000 hectares nationwide. Los Ríos province has been the hardest hit, with 2,600 hectares affected, according to sector associations.

While the disease has been present for over a decade, the latest spread has prompted immediate preventative action.

In recent months, early warning systems, training sessions, and biosafety kit distribution have been implemented, especially after surveys revealed that 70% of producers are unfamiliar with the disease and 18% of farms in Guayas share labour.

Ecuador’s banana and plantain cultivation covered 310,268 hectares in 2024, based on data from the national statistics agency. Despite the outbreaks, no official estimate has been released regarding economic losses, and banana exports have reportedly remained stable so far.

For plantains, the outlook is more complex. The sector saw a 3% drop in exports last quarter, though weather conditions and domestic consumption — not moko alone — were cited as key contributing factors.

Unlike bananas, which are backed by a strong agro-industrial system, plantains are sold fresh, processed, or frozen, with 70% consumed domestically. Recent floods, cold spells, and high internal demand have further strained plantain availability, shifting regional supply patterns.

Asoexpla has proposed revisiting the Banana Law, which currently restricts new plantations for export, arguing for more technical and sustainable cultivation practices.

Looking ahead, the Association of Banana Exporters plans to begin phytosanitary inspections in August, including field diagnostics and containment strategies to control the spread of moko.

source: expreso.ec

photo: verzabana.com