Brazilian banana varieties proven resistant to deadly Fusarium wilt

Two banana cultivars developed in Brazil have been proven resistant to Tropical Race 4 (R4T), the most destructive form of Fusarium wilt. The confirmation came from field tests in Colombia, where the disease has already spread, according to Brazilian media.

Researchers found that the BRS Princesa and BRS Platina varieties showed almost no symptoms after being planted in contaminated soil. In contrast, the widely grown Cavendish type was heavily affected. This resistance gives Brazil an advantage, as the country is surrounded by nations where the fungus is already present — Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela.

Fusarium wilt R4T has devastated banana plantations in Asia, Africa, and Oceania, causing huge financial losses and threatening food security. The fungus spreads easily through soil, tools, and plant material, and once it reaches a farm, there is no cure.

Brazilian researchers say resistant cultivars could help protect banana production and slow the global spread of the disease. For farmers, especially in major producing regions, the discovery offers relief but does not remove the need for strict hygiene and surveillance to keep the fungus out of the country.

source: abrafrutas.org

photo: istockphoto.com