Pest Advisories
Fact Sheet – Fusarium Wilt – Tropical Race (TR4)
Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 (TR4)
FUSARIUM OXYSPORUM F. SP. CUBENSE (E.F. SMITH),
FUNGI: ASCOMYCOTA: SORDARIOMYCETES
INTRODUCTION
Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) is a strain of fungus that causes Fusarium wilt of bananas. It infects most varieties of banana cultivars but is known predominantly for attacking Cavenish, the most widely cultivated variety in the world. More than 80% of global banana and plantain production is thought to be based on TR4 susceptible germplasm. If unchecked, Foc TR4 can wipe out an entire plantation.
