Banana growers in the Philippines are calling for the creation of a research organisation to address a potential outbreak of Panama disease.
The disease, also known as Fusarium wilt, has remained relatively dormant for the last 50 years but, according to a report in the Manila Standard, has been identified in the provinces of Davao de Norte, Bukidnon and Compostela Valley.
Pilippino Banana Growers and Exporters Association executive director Stephen Antig told the newspaper the group would urge the government to fast track the creation of a proposed National Research Development and Extension Centre for Bananas. The centre would focus on research into pests, diseases and other pathological factors that affect the industry.
“The industry needs the help of the government in fighting the dreaded Panama disease in banana plantations,” said Mr Antig. “The private sector cannot do it alone.”
He also called for the revival of the Mindanao Banana Disease Task Force, which was created five years ago but folded due to poor funding, the newspaper reported.
The taskforce would be mandated to develop strategic quarantine plans and recommend measures to identify and contain outbreaks of diseases such as Panama disease.
Antig told the newspaper research could potentially develop banana varieties resistant to the fungus.
The disease is spread through the movement of infected soil and can also be spread by water travelling through soil. It is resistant to fungicides and needs to be controlled through containment.
