Fusarium wilt of banana, also known as Panama disease, is one of the most serious long-term threats to banana production worldwide. The disease is caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, which includes Tropical Race 4 (TR4). The fungus can persist in soil for decades, spread through planting material, soil and water movement, with limited management options. 

This makes Fusarium wilt especially challenging for smallholder banana growers, who often have limited land, fewer cropping options and restricted access to technical support. For many smallholders, losing productive banana plants is not only a crop health issue, but it also affects household income, food security and their farms future viability.