Question:

Panama wilt of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense is an internationally known plant disease
A. Gros Michel variety of banana is susceptible to race 1
B. Gros Michel variety of banana is resistant to race 1
C. Cavendish variety of banana is susceptible to race 4
D. Cavendish variety of banana is resistant to race 4
E. Both Gros Michel and Cavendish are susceptible to race 1
Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Show Hint

Panama Wilt Timeline:
1. Race 1 killed Gros Michel $\rightarrow$ switched to Cavendish.
2. Race 4 is now killing Cavendish.
  • C and D only
  • D and E only
  • A and B only
  • A and C only
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Panama wilt is a classic example of how pathogen evolution (races) can force shifts in agricultural production. The question asks to identify the susceptibility patterns of major banana varieties.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:


Gros Michel and Race 1 (A): In the first half of the 20th century, Gros Michel was the dominant export banana. It was decimated worldwide by Race 1 of the fungus. Thus, A is True.

Cavendish and Race 1: The Cavendish variety was adopted because it was resistant to Race 1. Thus, Statement B and E are false.

Cavendish and Race 4 (C): In recent decades, a new, virulent strain called Tropical Race 4 (TR4) has emerged. Cavendish bananas are highly susceptible to TR4, threatening the current global banana supply. Thus, C is True.
Final Answer:
Statements A and C represent the core historical and contemporary facts about Panama wilt. Option (D) is correct.
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