Dear Dr. Viljoen
It is an honor to be able to greet him
I had the opportunity in 2013 to see his presentation at EARTH University, Costa Rica. During the tribute to Phill Rowe. And again in 2014 Ecuador during World Summit of banana.
I am researcher of CENIBANANO, COLOMBIA. In Colombia we have about some 48.000Ha of Banana tree Cavendish
Much I visit the web page AC4TR4 of the University of Stellembosch. It is there where I see lots of information about Foc TR4. Currently we have Foc Race 1 in banana "silk" Apple Type.
That is why my interest to learn about the current state of Foc TR4 in Matocheira, knowing the behavior of Foc R4T in field. We know that the symptoms of Foc race 1 and Foc R4T similar, but what we don't know is so virulent R4T Foc in Cavendish. A very common plant protection problem here in Cavendish is bacterial diseases "Moko", which can be controlled and eradicated. Otherwise with Foc R4T. In this context very respetusamente do the following questions:
1. Sites on the farms where appear diseased plants with Foc RT4 are abandoned? That as much area?
2. Which is the current situation in Oman and Jordan where there is brought Foc R4T? is had a dear of the affected area?.
3. There is a cost study for the financial management and containment of an outbreak in the first year of Foc R4T Metocheira farms?
4. There is some disinfectant or sterilizing for lava boots that will eliminate the Chlamydospores of Foc RT4?
Thank you for your attention and responses.