The Fungus Threatening Banana—And Its Global Supply
The TR4 fungus has been detected in Ecuador, the top global banana exporter, sparking alarm in the industry.
No cure exists for the disease, which poses a major threat to the Cavendish variety of bananas. The industry is under pressure, with rising costs pushing towards diversification.
In late September 2025, Ecuador announced the detection of the "tropical race 4" (TR4) strain of Panama disease, sending shockwaves through the global banana industry.
A Persistent and Spreading Threat
TR4 is the fourth strain of the Fusarium fungus, which lives in the soil and chokes banana plants by preventing them from absorbing nutrients.
Ecuador, as the world's top banana exporter, shipped nearly six million metric tons in 2023, accounting for about one-third of global trade. The country's health alert has heightened concern over potential disruptions to the trade in the world's most widely eaten fruit.
No cure exists; Cavendish variety faces major threat
Author's summary: TR4 fungus threatens global banana supply.