India’s banana plantations are currently under threat by a novel strain of fungus called Fusarium wilt TR4. Case studies have likened the damage and infectious nature of this fungus to the devastating global impact of Covid-19. As of yet, there are no known treatments for this fungal disease which poses a significant risk to both local and global banana markets.
The Epicentre of Fusarium wilt TR4
In the same way that a pandemic can sweep across international borders, the Fusarium wilt TR4 has proven detrimental to banana plantations globally. The disease originated from Ecuador, the world’s largest exporter of bananas, before breaching international trade borders. Consequently, the $26 billion global banana trade is now under threat.
About the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) Strain
The TR4 strain was first identified in Taiwan before spreading to other parts of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Infected banana plantations exhibit yellowing leaves that eventually wither away. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has identified TR4 as one of the most destructive plant diseases in existence.
The Impact on India’s Banana Industry
As the world’s largest producer of bananas, India now faces a significant threat from the spread of TR4. Some of the most affected areas include Katihar and Purnea in Bihar and Maharajganj in Uttar Pradesh. The strain has particularly hit the Grand Nain variety (Musa acuminata), which dominates 55% of India’s banana cultivation and contributes 62% to commerce, including exports. If uncontained, TR4 will significantly affect farm incomes and increase the price of bananas.
Efforts to Curb the spread of TR4
Several strategies have been proposed to control the spread of TR4. These include plant quarantine, growing alternative cultivars, and enhancing biosecurity measures. In addition, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research advocates for a seed-treatment method known as Biopriming. This entails treating seeds with beneficial organisms to enhance disease resistance. It’s also recommended that farmers abandon infected crops and grow alternatives like rice for a year or two to break the infection chain.
Growing Conditions for Bananas
Bananas are a tropical crop that thrive in temperatures between 15ºC-35ºC, average rainfall of 650-750 mm, and deep, rich, loamy soils. They can grow in varied conditions from humid tropics to dry mild subtropics. Furthermore, bananas are packed with several nutrients including calories, protein, carbohydrate, potassium, and trace amounts of vitamins C and B6.
About Fusarium Wilt of Banana
Also known as Panama disease, Fusarium wilt is a lethal fungal disease caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This was the first global banana disease recorded in the early 20th century, wiping out the dominant export variety, Gros Michel, in the 1950s. As a result, a new resistant variety, Grand Nain, emerged. However, this variety has now succumbed to the TR4 infection.
The Way Forward
Resolving the threat posed by TR4 will require a multi-faceted approach. There is an undeniable need to identify or develop new resistant varieties. A concerted effort from industry, research institutions, government, and international organisations is also needed. Given the importance of banana plantations to food security, countries must collaborate to mitigate the potential loss caused by fungal infections.