Digital mapping tool: a territorial approach for containment of Fusarium wilt TR4 in Peru

Abstract

Fusarium wilt caused by the tropical race 4 (TR4) of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is known as the most serious and devastating banana disease. In April 2021 the presence of TR4 was detected on a plot in Chocán, in the district of Querecotillo in the Chira Valley, Peru. Organic banana cultivation for export is located in this valley, between Sullana and Piura, in Morropón and Lambayeque; altogether, 10,000 ha. There are two dozen mid-sized banana farms; but the export sector is mainly made up of approximately 9,000 small producers, with average plot sizes of 0.5-1.0 ha, organized in around 35 producer associations and cooperatives. To a great extent, the banana sector depends on flood irrigation. Harvesting is done by dozens of harvesting teams, who cut and carry banana bunches on their shoulder to one of the hundreds small packing stations, walking their shortest way through the banana plots. The export banana sector in Peru is small and young, with only an incipient institutional development and leadership. Typical biosecurity protocols to prevent entrance of the fungus are designed for farms; and need ‘re-invention’ for the highly fragmented context of Peru. All these characteristics make the sector extremely vulnerable to further spreading of TR4. Between April 2021 and June 2022, 82 TR4 outbreaks were detected by the phytosanitary agency SENASA in the districts of Querecotillo, Salitral and Marcavelica. Together with the data processing company Opus Insights, and in a broad alliance with other companies and institutions, the importer of Fairtrade and organic banana AgroFair started a project to carry out detailed aerial mapping, as tool for implementation of risk analysis and biosecurity measures with a territorial approach. The digital maps were completed in July 2022. We will examine the first practical experiences with this tool, formulate recommendations and indicate institutional conditions favorable to develop strategies for coping with TR4.