IPPC Pest Alerts on Rhizoctonia theobromae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4
As part of the Pest Outbreak Alert and Response System (POARS), the IPPC Secretariat has given two new Pest Alerts regarding Rhizoctonia theobromae and Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense Tropical Race 4.
Rhizoctonia theobromae is a fungal pathogen responsible for causing Vascular Streak Dieback in cacao (Theobroma cacao) and Witches’ Broom in cassava (Manihot esculenta) (see also EPPO RS 2025/048) Recent reports indicate that this pathogen has a wider distribution and is having a greater impact on important tropical crops than previously thought, therefore meeting the IPPC's criteria for an emerging pest. The IPPC will establish a dedicated Expert Working Group to develop global materials to support contracting parties in prevention, preparedness, and response.
A distribution map is available in EPPO Global Database: https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/ONCOTH/distribution.
The alert for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical race 4 (Foc TR4, EPPO A2 list) was given after confirmation of an outbreak in Ecuador (EPPO RS 2026/015). This pathogen is the causal agent of Fusarium wilt of banana, a highly destructive soil-borne disease affecting banana, plantain, and other Musa species. Due to its severe economic impact, long-term persistence in the soil, and limited management options, the POARS Steering Group assessed and qualified Foc TR4 as an emerging pest of global concern.
Read the full pest alerts: https://www.ippc.int/en/core-activities/capacity-development/programmes/strenghtening-pest-outbreak-alert-and-response-systems/pest-alerts/
Sources
IPPC Secretariat (2025-11, 2025-12).