“Jamaica is restricting the importation of banana, plantains and any relatives of the plant family as the country is now on high alert for the Tropical Race 4 (TR4) disease, previously called Panama Disease, which attacks the crops.” as reported in the Jamaica Gleaner.
Agriculture Minister Audley Shaw, emphasised that the disease is not in Jamaica, but noted that stakeholder such as the Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch as well as the Banana Board and other relevant stakeholders have implemented preventative initiatives to safeguard the Jamaican banana and plantain industry.
The fungus spreads through infected plant materials and infested soil particles.
Mr. Shaw noted:
“This means that visitors to our shores and, even, we, as residents when we travel, can bring this fungus into Jamaica. As such, I am urging all visitors and residents to adhere to the guidelines as established by the Plant Quarantine and Produce Inspection Branch of the Ministry,”
Read more about this in the Jamaica Gleaner article: Jamaica’s Banana And Plantain Industries On High Alert For TR4 Disease (Website Link)
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