First report of Fusarium Wilt in banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.cubense Tropical race 4in India.

Abstract

India is the largest producer of the bananas in the world with an annual production of 29.72 million metric tons (FAO 2014). About 70% of the production is of the Cavendish cultivar Grand Naine (AAA). Recently, the area under the Grand Naine cultivar increased significantly in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. In June 2017, symptoms of Fusarium wilt of banana were observed in a block of Grand Naine in the Faizabad district in Uttar Pradesh (26.46379°N, 81.59987°E). The affected plants exhibited distinct yellowing symptoms of mature leaves progressing toward the younger leaves. The laminae of the emerging leaves were markedly reduced and shriveled. The leaves collapsed gradually, bending at the petiole. The pseudostem showed longitudinal splitting at the base with distinct vascular discoloration (reddish brown). By September 2017 approximately 42 ha was observed to be affected by the disease. Further survey confirmed symptoms of the disease in the regions of Kushi Nagar (26.73988°N, 83.88697°E) and Ambedkar Nagar (27.10120°N, 81.3112°E).