What is TR4 in bananas?
TR4 is a strain of the fungus that causes Panama disease of bananas, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. It causes leaves to turn yellow and wilt, and vascular discoloration which is only visible if the pseudostem is cut open.
Has a TR4 resistant Cavendish banana been created?
(TR4). The Cavendish banana is the Number one export banana variety world-wide. Researchers at the Australian Queensland University of Technology (QUT) under the lead of Professor James Dale have successfully developed a line of Cavendish bananas resistant to Panama disease tropical race 4 (TR4).
How is TR4 spread?
The fungus spreads through infected plant materials and contaminated soil particles attached to items such as farm tools, shoes, clothes, animals and vehicles. Irrigation and drainage water also play a critical role in its spread. Typhoons and other storms can also carry the TR4 fungus to new plantations.
How do I turn off TR4?
Currently, the most effective approach to combat TR4 is prevention of its spread into clean areas and immediate containment when it is detected. Diversity is also key to prevention of TR4.
What causes TR4?
Panama TR4 is a serious banana disease that has been found on farms in Far North Queensland. It is caused by a fungus that lives in the soil. The fungus is not eradicable and can survive in the soil for decades without host plants.
What is the TR4?
Tropical race 4 (TR4) is the latest race of the fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp cubense. It is a soil-borne pathogen that attacks the roots of the banana causing the Banana Fusarium Wilt disease by clogging its vascular system.
What is Panama TR4?
Does TR4 affect all bananas?
Nearly all varieties of bananas, including the main commercial variety, Cavendish are susceptible to Panama TR4. Some weeds and grasses can also be infected with Panama TR4, though no disease symptoms.
Can TR4 affect humans?
TR4 does not harm humans, animals or plant life other than banana plants.
Is TR4 Australian?
The first time it was detected in Australia was in the Northern Territory in 1997. Panama TR4 can’t be eradicated and can survive in the soil for decades without a host plant.
Who designed the TR4?
Michelotti
As the successor to the TR3A, the car was based on the chassis and drivetrain of the previous TR sports cars, but with a modern body designed by Michelotti. In spite of its modern styling, a total of only 40,253 cars were built during its 5-year production run.
How is Panama disease treated?
How is it controlled? The most effective control measure for Panama disease is the exclusion of the pest and simple farm hygiene procedures. Prompt detection is essential, and affected plants must be destroyed because the disease cannot be cured.