The main talk among the delegates assembling in Miami for the 6th International Banana Congress was about how to combat the Panama Disease – Fusarium Oxysporum, that is doing so much damage to crops across the region and in other parts of the world
Speakers reported on the search for new varieties to replace Cavendish, which itself was introduced because it was resistant to the earlier strains. There were also presentations on the progress for a chemical solution.
The immediate task is to educate the producers on how to stop the spread of the fungus and to get the authorities to strictly enforce quarantines whenever it is found. The attendees discussed answers to this problem which is devastating the industry and a vital food source.
The International Banana Congress: http://congresointernacionaldebanano.com
