Banana disease Panama TR4 spreads in Qld with eighth confirmed case on Tully Valley farm

A devastating banana disease has spread further in Queensland, with the industry confirming the eighth case of Panama tropical race 4. Key points: The fungal disease makes an infected area unsuitable for growing bananas The banana industry says the spread is sad but expected Research to combat TR4 is looking at developing commercially viable banana varieties that are resistant to the disease The fungal disease starves banana trees of nutrients, eventually killing the plant. Australian Banana Growers Council chair and Tully grower Leon Collins said the fungal disease spread was sad but not surprising. Mr Collins said banana trees on the infected property would need to be destroyed but otherwise the region's growers would continue "business as usual". Other bananas could be solution Bettering the gold finger banana variety could provide growers with another tool to fight against Panama TR4.