Ecuadorian Banana Producers request more control towards the Fusarium Pest

The Banana Producores Association from Orenses asked the authorities to strengthen the control measures in the country to prevent the entry of the Fusarium Pest, after Colombia confirmed the presence of the agency on farms in La Guajira, in its border with Venezuela.

The fungus on the infected bananas has been the most destructive disease for this type of plants and is considered among the 10 most important in the history of agriculture, according to the International Regional Agency for Agricultural Health ( Oirsa).

“If the Fusarium Pest enters Ecuador, then it will be disastrous. It would be a very serious social and economic debacle. There are 2 million people who live directly and indirectly from the activity”, said Patricio San Martín, administrator of the association.

He referred to the installation of pedestrian footwalks (disinfection zones) at regional border crossings, at airports and land terminals; and also to stop the planting of organic bananas. “To a greater amount of vegetative material that enters the country there is one more window for the entrance of the Fusarium.”

Agriculture Ministers and delegations from 14 countries met in Quito on August 5, adn they signed an agreement that seal the commitment to combat the fungus.

At the moment banana producers make forecasts with the disinfection of tools, trucks, trailers and all types of vehicles.”