Detection of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 strain in northern Queensland

Abstract

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (TR4) is reported for the first time in northern Queensland, the centre of Australia’s commercial banana production. The identity of the pathogen was confirmed by vegetative compatibility group testing, TR4 specific PCR tests and sequencing. Although presently confined to a single property, the disease poses a serious threat to Australia’s banana industry.