Ecuador Takes Proactive Measures to Combat Fusarium Threat on Banana Plantations

Fusarium TR4, a significant threat to banana plantations, is challenging Ecuador, the top global banana exporter. Recent developments indicate a possible case in Santa Rosa, close to the Peruvian border. This situation has led to the activation of long-prepared containment protocols to prevent the fungus from entering the country.

During Banana Time 2025 in Guayaquil, experts from various countries, including Colombia and Peru, discussed strategies to neutralize TR4. Ecuador's Agriculture Minister, Danilo Palacios, emphasized confidence in the sector’s ability to manage such threats, drawing on past successes like controlling black sigatoka.

An inter-institutional committee is now in place to coordinate efforts, reflecting Ecuador's commitment to biosecurity measures, research, and collaboration across sectors.