Senasa reports a possible case of "Fusarium" race 4 fungus in Peru

The Peruvian National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa) issued a statement on April 8 regarding various reports of a possible case of Fusarium oxyporum f. sp. cubense (Foc R4T) in the country.

The agency said that the phytosanitary surveillance system detected a suspected case of Foc R4T in a 0.5 hectare field in Sullana (department of Piura). Consequently, it activated the prevention action plan that has been established for this kind of phytosanitary emergencies. Also, field samples were taken in order to carry out the necessary analyses at the Plant Health Diagnostic Centers Unit and check whether the pest is actually present.

Senasa said that official laboratory results will be available in the next few days and that until then, they will adhere to the established protocols.

Concrete phytosanitary measures have been implemented by the sector and peripheral areas to avoid the spread of the pest, should its presence be confirmed. Senasa also informed that a national phytosanitary alert has been activated to protect all banana and plantain production areas.