The Jamaican Banana Board is urging plantain and banana farmers to report any signs of the Panama Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease, as the island remains on high alert. The disease is considered one of the most notable diseases in the history of agriculture and is the most destructive disease to have affected bananas, plantains and the Heliconia plant.
General Manager of the Banana Board, Janet Conie, is urging farmers to contact the Board as soon as they see any sign of the disease. While farmers are encouraged to implement biosecurity measures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is also working to protect the industry. Portfolio Minister, Pearnel Charles Jr., said the TR4 taskforce is critical to the prevention of the disease coming into the country.
Source: jamaica-gleaner.com