The Banana Board of Jamaica and the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD) will be collaborating on research that seeks to identify sustainable solutions to treat with the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease that threatens local banana production.

Both parties announced plans to partner on the research following a recent tour of JP Farms banana farm and processing facilities in St Mary by representatives of the respective organisations.

TR4 disease is a deadly, incurable soil-borne fungus threatening commercial banana and plantain varieties worldwide. The disease can be transferred to banana plants through infected shoes, water and tools and can stay in the soil for up to 30 years. Once there is a positive identification of the vector, complete eradication of the infected and surrounding plants and in some cases abandonment of farmland is then required.

Since the emergence of the disease, research has been done globally to test and identify TR4 disease resistant banana varieties.

According to the Banana Board, all traditional banana varieties grown in Jamaica are highly susceptible to the disease. In this regard, it has proposed the use of resistant and highly tolerant varieties as the only solution to deal with TR4 disease.

At present, the Banana Board is testing three varieties from France at the Bodles Banana Breeding Station in St Catherine and Montpelier Research Station in St James to determine their yield potential and their adaptability to the local environmental conditions. The Banana Board and CIRAD will also collaborate with JP Farms to test the performance of these varieties at its facilities in St Mary.

Commenting on the collaboration, JP Farms General Manager Mario Figueroa underscored the company’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions to the TR4 threat.

“JP Farms is dedicated to local agriculture, and we look forward to this collaboration with our colleagues at the Banana Board and CIRAD. TR4 has the potential to affect large commercial operations like ours as well smaller farms and even backyard banana farming,” he said.

“We have engaged in the biosecurity measures recommended by the Banana Board to address prevention; however, with no cure for the disease, we must start looking at the research and other varieties for a long-term solution,” he continued.

Deborah Henry-Myers, pathologist at the Banana Board, shared that JP Farms was selected for collaboration based on the size of its farming operations, its adherence to local and international standards and its use of farm systems that allow for monitoring and data collection.

Moreover, since 2020 JP Farms has undertaken special initiatives to promote efficiency, incorporate technology and improve disease management at its St Mary-based farms. This includes the use of remote sensors to analyse moisture in the soil, implementation of drone technology and the use of fertigation systems throughout the farms.

Figueroa pointed out that with the discussions about innovative ideas and the new connections that have emerged globally in relation to TR4, JP Farms has an interest in learning more about the various practices being employed in different regions, adding that the company has been actively engaged in its own research to better understand the impact of this disease.

At the Banana Board, its TR4 Task Force has been actively working on preparedness, and emergency management strategies against the disease.

In the meantime, CIRAD through its office in Guadeloupe will offer data-driven analysis and comprehensive in-person visits together with the Banana Board with plans to return in April, which is celebrated as Farmers’ Month and aptly features World Banana Day.

Senior scientist in breeding taxonomy and genetics at CIRAD Dr Kodjo Tomekpe expressed that the ongoing research for TR4-resistant banana varieties and the farming and post-harvest practices employed at JP Farms, “will build on the expertise and outcomes of the collaboration to optimise banana production and potentially find a solution to overcoming the disease”.

Bananas are not only vital export crops for Jamaica, earning foreign exchange, but also serve as a staple food for millions globally. Aside from exports, sustaining banana and plantain production is crucial for safeguarding Jamaica’s food security as well.