Banana Wilt Disease (Panama Disease): The Destructive Fungal Threat (Fusarium oxysporum), Infection Stages, and Comprehensive Control Methods

Banana wilt disease, known as Panama disease, is one of the most dangerous fungal pests threatening global and local agriculture, caused by the fungus (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) which attacks roots and destroys water and nutrient transport vessels, leading to tree desiccation and death. Infection stages include covert infiltration through contaminated roots, internal propagation blocking water paths, lower leaf margin yellowing symptoms and drooping, and ultimate wilting and pseudostem collapse. Prevention and control strategies involve enforcing agricultural quarantine to prevent moving seedlings from infested areas, breeding resistant plant varieties, and improving soil drainage and reducing stagnant moisture to curb fungal activity. FAO reports indicate that the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) strain threatens over 80% of global commercial banana production, while research confirms that applying a strict 3 to 5-year crop rotation reduces fungal spore concentration in the soil by up to 45%.

Approved Information Sources :

Comprehensive Reference on Plant Diseases and Agricultural Pest Control (FAO and International Society for Horticultural Science). International Reports on Plant Diseases and Crop Protection. General information from the Syrian Agricultural Guide and Livestock in Syria _ Specialized Evidence Center.

Specialized Evidence Center , Syrian Agricultural Guide , Distinguished Marketing Team .