“We agree that there should be a formal mapping out of areas affected by fusarium wilt,” Bacani added. Also known as “Panama disease,” fusarium wilt is caused by a soil-borne fungus. For the past decades, it is feared to herald the demise of the banana industry if the disease is not controlled. The government attributed the decline in exports to the raging Panama disease affecting banana farms and plantations in Mindanao. “[It may also] cause suffering on banana growers, farmers, workers and their families, which may lead to social unrest,” he added.

Source: Manila Times September 20, 2020 16:52 UTC