First report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 in Nepal
Fusarium wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical race 4 (EPPO A2 list) is reported for the first time from Nepal. The pest was detected in June and September 2024 on banana plants (Musa sp.) showing leaf yellowing and reddish-brown discolouration of vascular tissues in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces. The identity of the pest was confirmed by morphological and molecular testing. Pathogenicity tests were also conducted. Up to this finding, only Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense race 1 was known to cause wilt on banana in Nepal.
Sources
Khadka RB, Adhikari I, Chanda H, Poudel B, Poudel B, Adhikari J, Ghimire A, Upadhyaya S, Kafle N, Acharya B, Poudel S (2026) First report of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense tropical race 4 (VCG 01213/16) causing Fusarium wilt to banana in Nepal. Plant Disease (early view) https://doi.org/10.1094/PDIS-04-26-0736-PDN