Foc TR4 was first discovered in Malaysia and Indonesia
when multi-national banana export companies extended their production to these
countries. The new plantations were soon discarded, but the fungus escaped and
rapidly spread throughout both countries, attacking other local varieties
produced by small-growers. In
1997 Foc TR4 was reported on Cavendish in the Northern Territory of Australia,
and by 2008 it was officially reported in the Philippines,
Taiwan and mainland China. It has, however, not been found in Thailand, Vietnam
and Cambodia where non-Cavendish varieties are grown. Foc TR4 has caused
significant losses to Cavendish production in all the Asian countries where it
occurs. Spread has recently occurred outside of Asia to Oman (2012) and Jordan
(2013). The outbreak in Jordan may prove significant to incursions in Africa
because apple bananas are traded from South Sudan to Jordan, so there may be a
risk of transfer of soil infested with Foc TR4 on vehicle tyres or shoes of
drivers.
(Source: David Sikora)
