Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Panama disease (Fusarium wilt) is a devastating vascular disease of banana plants caused by the soil-borne fungus Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc).
The pathogen population is classified into distinct physiological races based on their virulence on different banana cultivars.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement:
Statement (A) is correct: Race 1 of Foc destroyed the global 'Gros Michel' banana industry in the early-to-mid 20th century.
In response, the industry transitioned to 'Cavendish' cultivars, which possessed complete resistance to Race 1.
Statement (B) is correct: A highly virulent strain named Tropical Race 4 (TR4, or Race 4) emerged that can overcome the resistance of 'Cavendish' bananas, causing severe losses worldwide.
Statement (C) is correct: Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) has been detected in several major banana-growing states in India (such as Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat), where it poses a significant threat to national banana production.
Statement (D) is correct: Race 1 of Foc is the specific pathotype that infects and causes wilt in the 'Gros Michel' cultivar.
Since all four statements are correct, Option (B) is the correct choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Hence, the correct option is (B).