Image for Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense

Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense is a fungus that causes a serious disease called Panama disease in banana plants. It infects the plant’s roots and vascular system, blocking water and nutrient flow, which leads to wilting, yellowing, and eventually death of the plant. This pathogen is particularly troublesome because it can survive in soil for many years and is difficult to control, threatening banana production worldwide. Managing the disease involves using resistant varieties, good sanitation, and crop rotation to prevent its spread.