Brazil is the only country in the Americas prepared to confront Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (R4T). Research conducted by Embrapa in Colombia confirmed the resistance of the BRS Princesa and BRS Platina cultivars to the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The discovery positions these varieties as potential natural barriers against the disease, which has caused severe losses across banana-producing regions worldwide.
R4T has not yet reached Brazil but is present in neighboring Colombia (2019), Peru (2020), and Venezuela (2023). The fungus spreads through contaminated soil, seedlings, and tools, raising concern about its possible entry into Brazilian territory.
Resistance testing in Colombia
The cultivars were tested by the Colombian Agricultural Research Corporation (AgroSavia) with oversight from the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) and support from the Colombian Banana Growers Association (Augura). Trials took place on the first Colombian farm where R4T was detected. Plants were tested under greenhouse and field conditions. According to AgroSavia researcher Mónica Betancourt, "less than 1% of BRS Princesa and BRS Platina were affected," leading researchers to classify them as resistant.
Diploid bananas were also tested as part of a genetic improvement program to replicate Embrapa's strategy in Colombia.
Breeding and partnerships
Edson Perito Amorim, who leads Embrapa's Banana and Plantain Genetic Improvement Program, emphasized the importance of the international partnership, noting that three hybrids sent to Colombia performed with "100% efficiency." One is expected to be released in 2026.
Embrapa researchers are also developing Cavendish derivatives that may show resistance to R4T. According to Janay Almeida dos Santos-Serejo, "we hope to identify at least one somaclone with resistance to tropical race 4."
Fernando Haddad, Embrapa phytopathologist, said the program has focused on Fusarium resistance for decades and that molecular markers had already indicated potential resistance before these field trials.
Producer response and surveillance
The Ministry of Agriculture has prioritized surveillance of R4T through the National Program for the Prevention and Surveillance of Absent Quarantine Pests. Ricardo Hilman, Federal Agricultural Auditor, stated: "Producers cannot let their guard down, and phytosanitary surveillance will continue its activities and preventive measures."
Producers in Brazil's Ribeira Valley, where bananas account for over 70% of the local economy, view the development as critical. Augusto Aranha, president of Abavar, said resistant varieties provide reassurance, though biosafety measures remain essential.
Regional cooperation
Embrapa also collaborates with Costa Rica's Corbana, maintaining 10,000 Cavendish plants for breeding. The partnership has already produced 25 hybrids under evaluation. In Brazil, agronomic trials of a new Prata variety are underway in northern Minas Gerais, with release expected in 2026.
Source: Abrafrutas