First off pathogen races are designated based upon the genetic resistance genes in the host species. So race 4 means that there are 3 other pathogenic genetic groups floating around in bananas.
Second off it’s Fusarium oxysporum. It is an extremely adaptable and widespread fungus. It has 39 listed subspecies groups that attacks a wide range of plant species. The pathogen is extremely genetically diverse.
It generally takes 5-20 years for F. oxysporum to overcome any genetic resistance. The pathogen then spreads like wildfire across the globe.
It will also take them 10+ years to introgress the new gene into new cultivars.
So bananas are saved! Yeah!!!.
In most crops growers have turned from trying to breed genetic resistance to using other control methods. Biofumigant mustards cover cropping is extremely successful if done correctly. Grafting of tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, cantaloupes, etc onto resistant rootstocks/species is also very popular.
Reality check from a technical standpoint.
First off pathogen races are designated based upon the genetic resistance genes in the host species. So race 4 means that there are 3 other pathogenic genetic groups floating around in bananas.
Second off it’s Fusarium oxysporum. It is an extremely adaptable and widespread fungus. It has 39 listed subspecies groups that attacks a wide range of plant species. The pathogen is extremely genetically diverse.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fusarium_oxysporum
It generally takes 5-20 years for F. oxysporum to overcome any genetic resistance. The pathogen then spreads like wildfire across the globe.
It will also take them 10+ years to introgress the new gene into new cultivars.
So bananas are saved! Yeah!!!.
In most crops growers have turned from trying to breed genetic resistance to using other control methods. Biofumigant mustards cover cropping is extremely successful if done correctly. Grafting of tomatoes, peppers, watermelons, cantaloupes, etc onto resistant rootstocks/species is also very popular.