Panama Disease

Panama Disease is a fungal infection caused by the fungus *Fusarium oxysporum*, which primarily affects banana plants. It targets the roots and disrupts the plant’s ability to take up water and nutrients, leading to wilting and eventual death. The disease is particularly concerning for the Cavendish banana variety, which dominates global banana production. It spreads through contaminated soil, water, and plant materials. The lack of genetic diversity in commercial bananas makes them vulnerable to such diseases, posing a threat to banana supply and agricultural economies worldwide. Efforts are ongoing to find resistant banana varieties and better management practices.