South Africa's R1.5 billion banana industry could now be threatened by Panama disease (fungal disease). Panama disease, which is caused by the Fusarium fungus, is a soil pathogen that infects the root system and goes on to colonise the entire plant. The outbreak of Panama disease was spreading rapidly across the Metocheria Farm, a 3,000 hectare farm in northern Mozambique, owned by Norwegian company Norfund, due to the flooding at the beginning of 2015. Panama disease has been present in plantations in north eastern Mozambique’s Nampula province for the past two years. The disease could spread to more banana plantations in the Nampula province and then further into Africa, where it could threaten food security. "The outbreak in northern Mozambique most certainly poses a risk to all its neighbouring countries. A major means of spread is water, as well as planting material and soil left on shoes and vehicles from the farm. South Africans had been visiting the affected farms in Mozambique in the past, and are still visiting the farm to do business. If proper biosecurity is not introduced, South African growers might be affected." said University of Stellenbosch plant pathologist Altus Viljoen. Banana Growers' Association (BGASA) chairperson, Kobua Lourens said that the chances of South Africa getting the disease were slim. "Yes, there is a chance of it spreading to SA, because if it got to Mozambique it can get anywhere. But to put it in perspective, the site is 2,500km from us. It could be brought to SA by someone (who) takes plant material or soil, but it would have to be intentional." Mr Lourens said. Source - http://www.freshplaza.com