Fungus infects banana farms in Davao region

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - – A dreaded fungus has infected over 250 hectares of banana farms in Southern Mindanao, agriculture officials have reported.

The fusarium wilt or Panama disease has spread in the region, particularly the Tropical Race 4 strain which experts said has no cure and cannot be controlled by fungicide.

Panama disease is considered to be very virulent and a fast killer of banana plants.

Banana farms cover at least 250,000 hectares in Southern Mindanao, making the region the country’s leading producer of bananas.

The Department of Agriculture reported that the fungus has already infected 157 hectares of banana farms in this city alone, and another 75 hectares in Davao del Norte.

The disease was reportedly first spotted in Barangay Calinan this city about three years ago. It has spread to banana plantations in Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao del Sur.

The infestation particularly affects small banana growers, but stakeholders fear it may threaten the entire industry if it remains unchecked.