The Advance of Fusarium Wilt Tropical Race 4 in Musaceae of Latin America and the Caribbean: Current Situation

Fusarium oxysporum tropical race 4 (Foc R4T) is a highly lethal vascular disease affecting Musaceae plants, including bananas, posing a major threat to production in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). First detected in Colombia in 2019 and recently in Venezuela (2023), this article reviews its evolution in the region between 2018 and 2022. It emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated measures to control its spread, protect food security, and safeguard the regional banana industry.