New field test detects banana fungus TR4 faster than ever

New field test detects banana fungus TR4 faster than ever

A field test that is faster and more practical than laboratory tests for detecting Tropical Race 4 (TR4) – the Fusarium strain that causes the much-feared Panama disease in bananas has been developed by researchers from Wageningen University & Research. This so-called LAMP test (from Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification assay) allows banana farmers and authorities to take immediate measures once suspect plants test positive for the fungus in order to prevent further spreading. The LAMP test was developed by a research team led by professor Gert Kema (WUR).

Read the article to find out more about the test: https://www.wur.nl/en/news-wur/Show/New-field-test-detects-banana-fungus-TR4-faster-than-ever.htm

How does the LAMP test work? Check out the video

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First report of Panama disease in Cavendish bananas caused by TR4 in Colombia

First report of Panama disease in Cavendish bananas caused by TR4 in Colombia

An international research team has scientifically confirmed the presence of the fungus Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) in Cavendish banana plants in Colombia. The findings are published in an open source article in the journal Plant Disease.

Read more: https://www.wur.nl/en/news-wur/show-day/First-report-of-Panama-disease-in-Cavendish-bananas-caused-by-TR4-in-Colombia.htm

Or check out the publication: https://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/10.1094/PDIS-09-19-1922-PDN

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