National strategic plan for the prevention of Fusarium oxysporum cubense in Mauritius

Under the Support towards operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR) project, National Pest Management Strategies for transboundary pests which are harmonised within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have been drafted with the collaboration of FAO plant health specialists.

Fusarium oxysporum cubense tropical race 4 (FocTR4) is an invasive and devastating pest of banana which was first identified in Taiwan in 1989. It has caused tremendous damage and economic loss in Cavendish monocultures in Asia. It is absent in Mauritius and is categorised as a quarantine pest. Pre-emptive measures are being taken to prevent introduction of this disease in the country.

A National Contingency plan for FOC TR4 has been drafted for Mauritius in 2021 and 2022 and is in the process of being finalised for circulation and for emergency preparedness. It includes a series of measures such as:

• Regulatory and policy measures in regard to restricted importation, movement of plant, people and vehicles
• Surveillance
• Linkages between institutions, such as the NPPO, research and extension services, laboratories and other stakeholders
• Public awareness
• Cultural practices
• Disease control and management