S21 - Session O3 - Containment of TR4 in the context of smallholder production systems in Peru Strengths and limitations of a territorial approach with support of digital mapping

Authors: Luud Clercx *, Walle Oppendijk van Veen, Mario Cozzarelli, Jaap van der Sluis, Jacob Nieuwenhuis, Diego Balarezo, Rafael Pflücker, Juan Carlos Rojas Llanque

Fusarium Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is known as the most serious and devastating banana disease. In April 2021 the presence of TR4 was detected on a plot in Chocan, in the Chira Valley in Peru. Organic banana cultivation for export is located in this valley, and between Sullana and Piura, in Morropon and in Lambayeque; altogether, 10.000 ha. There are two dozen mid-size banana farms; but the sector is mainly made up of approximately 9.000 small producers, with average plot sizes of 0.5 n 1.0 ha, organized in around 35 producer associations and cooperatives. To a great extent, the banana sector depends on flood irrigation. Harvesting is done by dozens of harvesting teams, who cut and carry banana bunches on their shoulder to one of the hundreds small packing stations, walking their shortest way through the banana plots. The export banana sector in Peru is relatively small and young, with only an incipient institutional development. Typical biosecurity protocols to prevent entrance of the fungus are designed for farms; and need 're-invention' for the highly fragmented context of Peru. All these characteristics make the sector extremely vulnerable to further spreading of TR4. Together with the data processing company Opus Insights, and in a broad alliance with other companies and institutions, the importer of Fairtrade and organic banana AgroFair started a project to make detailed digital maps, as tool for implementation of risk analysis and implementation of biosecurity measures with a territorial approach. These maps became available in November 2021. We will examine the first practical experiences with this tool, formulate recommendations and indicate institutional conditions favourable for success. We also explore pathways to embed aerial mapping in remote sensing techniques and digital mapping by drones, as tools for early detection and adequate and rapid local responses to keep spreading of TR4 under control.