Cosmopolites sordidus G. as a dispersal agent of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 (Foc TR4) in Cavendish banana crops (Musa AAA)

Key Points

• The aim is to investigate the relationship between Cosmopolites sordidus and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 outbreaks in banana crops.
• Field studies assessing the population dynamics of C. sordidus and subsequent Foc TR4 outbreaks.
• Statistical analysis correlating weevil abundance to Foc TR4 incidence.
• C. sordidus populations consistently preceded Foc TR4 outbreaks by 1–2 months.
• Weevil abundance accounted for 87% of the variability in Foc TR4 incidence.