Motivation
The Musaceae family, which includes bananas, plantains, and bluggoes, plays a key role in the economic, social, and nutritional development of Latin American and Caribbean. In 2024, the region accounted for 56% of the total bananas and plantains (fresh or dried) exported worldwide, with Ecuador, Colombia, Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Honduras being the main suppliers in the region and global leaders (data from Trade Data Monitor, 2025). Currently, Musaceae plantations and producers worldwide are facing the problem of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (Foc TR4). Given its ability to survive in the soil for decades, its impact, and its wide range of hosts, Foc TR4 is considered the greatest threat to global banana and plantain production. The IICA's Foc TR4 Musaceae Network invites you to participate in this forum to share measures and actions to combat Foc TR4 in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).
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