TR4 fungus has no cure and threatens 95% of Australian bananas
A fungal disease with no cure threatens 95% of Australia's banana crop.
TR4 is a fungus called Panama disease Tropical Race 4. TR4 attacks banana plants in Far North Queensland.
Once it gets in the soil, there is no known way to get rid of it. Eleven farms in Tully have been infected over the past 11 years.
When detected, infected plants must be destroyed and the affected area quarantined. The disease is a particular threat because it targets Cavendish bananas, which make up more than 95 per cent of Australia's banana industry.
TR4 spreads through soil, water, machinery and footwear, making it hard to contain. Farmers face mounting costs for strict biosecurity protocols with no government assistance.
Researchers at QUT have spent more than 20 years developing a resistant Cavendish variety. It has already undergone years of field trials in the Northern Territory with promising results.
But the new banana probably won't reach supermarkets for 3 to 5 years.
- $580 million
- Industry value
- 95 percent of Australia's banana supply
- Percentage of bananas targeted
- 11 farms over 11 years
- Infected farms in Tully
- 3 to 5 years
- Time until resistant variety available
Why it mattersIf TR4 spreads beyond Tully to major growing regions, banana prices could surge. The delay in releasing resistant varieties leaves farms at risk.
AustraliaGrocery shoppers could face significantly higher banana prices if the disease spreads from Far North Queensland to other growing regions like Innisfail.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 10 d ago
