Fusarium Wilt of Banana: Challenges and Resilience

Abstract

Banana, as the world's most consumed fruits, are an essential staple crop for nearly 400 million people, boasting a plethora of nutrients crucial for digestive health, gut microbiome balance, and post-exercise recovery. Despite their nutritional significance, the emergence of Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense (Foc), threatens banana cultivation worldwide. This soil-borne fungus exhibits polycyclic behavior, persisting in soil for extended periods and impacting various banana cultivars through complex disease cycles. Identification of Fusarium wilt involves observing external and internal symptoms, with comprehensive diagnosis essential for effective management. Sustainable strategies including crop rotation, intercropping, organic amendments, and biological control agents offer promising avenues for disease mitigation. Additionally, transgenic approaches hold the potential for developing resistant banana varieties, though commercial acceptance and long-term field data remain challenges. Climate-smart management practices adaptable to changing environmental conditions are crucial for future resilience. This study reviews the comprehensive knowledge of the geographical distribution, diagnosis, impact, disease cycle, factors affecting outbreaks, and various management strategies of FW in bananas. By highlighting the challenges posed by Fusarium wilt and offering innovative solutions, the manuscript contributes to building resilience within the banana industry.