Subprojects Panama Disease in Banana

Project 1: Understanding the causal agent of Panama disease in banana: Genetic and pathogenic diversity of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense

This PhD project is one of the components that will be integrated with the other projects to manage Panama disease and maintain a viable banana production - both industrial and subsistence - even in TR4 infested areas. For example, this study will identify where certain banana cultivars should not be grown due to the pathogenicity of the indigenous Foc diversity and quantity. Read more.....

Project 2: The genetic basis of resistance to Panama disease in banana

This PhD project will be screening a global collection of locally grown banana/plantain genotypes to TR4. We will use cv. Pahang as a case study to further identify and study resistant germplasm in conjunction with regional breeding programs. We will uncover and map the genetic basis of resistance, which enables breeders to incorporate and deploy valuable genes for resistance to Foc in locally adapted germplasm for South East Asia, Africa, Central and Latin America. Read more.....

Project 3: Epidemiology and agro-ecology of Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. cubense

The aim of this PhD project is developing statistically sound sampling strategies and (quantitative) diagnostics. This will result in internationally sought 'TR4 alerts' and effective rational and quantifiable management practices. Read more.....

Project 4: The relation between disease pressure and diversity in agro-ecology and banana germplasm

This PhD project aims to unravel factors that contribute to manageable Panama disease levels in East Africa, despite the cultivation of susceptible banana varieties. The diversity in germplasm and agro-ecological conditions may be strong elements of small-scale subsistence farming and unveiling the causal relationship with soil health and Foc diversity may explain the relatively low disease pressure (compared to large scale farming in e.g., Latin America). If the driving factors can be identified this may form the basis for the development of alternative strategies in other areas. Read more.....

Project 5: Islands of susceptible banana germplasm in Panama disease infected areas: interactions between abiotic stress and crop vulnerability

This PhD project links farm management with Panama disease control and will put all collected know- how in the context of variation in the resource base and banana farm management. It will develop overarching strategies, tailored for specific conditions, for Panama disease control, including the optimization of abiotic factors that provide robustness to production environments and therefore indirectly reduce Panama disease risks. Read more.....

Project 6: Coordination in disease management: Panama disease in the Philippines

This PhD project will detect the enabling and constraining mechanisms for coordinated action with respect to disease control. The nature and spread of TR4 Panama Disease makes this timely because the disease does neither discriminate for farms, plantations nor for banana varieties, although some are resistant. Hence, capacity to manage the disease partly depends on the ways in which different actors coordinate or combine their actions and capacities. Read more.....

Project 7: Multi-level Governance of Panama Disease

The future control of Panama disease will not only depend on the construction of new technologies but also on adequate forms of regulation. This PhD project is part of the bigger programme and helps to define possible policy measures and the level at which they could be taken. Read more.....