Agricultural Research Services: Banana

Bananas are a critical global crop facing increasing pressure from devastating diseases like Fusarium Wilt TR4 and Black Sigatoka. Ag Metrics Group’s Florida Ag Research facility offers one of the few controlled environments in the U.S. equipped to safely and effectively conduct advanced banana trials.
 
Florida Ag Research, located in Thonotosassa, Florida, operates a specialized banana research program focused on major diseases affecting banana crops. The facility's sub-tropical climate and sandy soils provide an ideal environment for studying pests and diseases prevalent in banana cultivation.
Why Florida Ag Research?
As a USDA-APHIS compliant site, Florida Ag Research is one of the only U.S. facilities authorized to conduct research involving quarantined banana pathogens. Our combination of tropical climate, advanced infrastructure, and regulatory readiness makes it uniquely suited for banana disease trials.
Key Focus Areas

​Fusarium Wilt TR4 (Tropical Race 4)
Fusarium Wilt TR4 (Tropical Race 4), a highly virulent strain of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense, has devastated banana production across Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Our trials focus on evaluating disease progression and testing potential control measures under regulated, real-world conditions.
 
Black Sigatoka (Black Leaf Streak)
Florida Ag Research also studies Black Sigatoka, a fungal disease that severely affects banana leaves, leading to reduced photosynthetic capacity and yield. Research efforts explore the disease's impact and aim to identify effective management strategies.
 
Research Capabilities
Our Florida Ag Research is specially equipped for banana research with:
  • Over 30,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled greenhouse bays, with many suitable for regulated trials
  • USDA-APHIS approved quarantine facilities for handling regulated pathogens
  • Advanced laboratories specializing in nematology, plant pathology, and entomology
  • 70 acres of managed field plots for conducting field trials
 
These facilities enable comprehensive research on banana diseases, from laboratory studies to field evaluations.
 
Looking to evaluate disease control products or genetics in bananas? Contact us to discuss customized trial designs for your program.

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