Incorporating the Plant Disease Triangle Framework for Analyzing the Effect of FWB Incidence on Soil Attributes

Abstract

FWB (FWB), also known as Panama disease and caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is the most destructive disease in the banana industry. Foc is the most virulent pathogen and is capable of surviving in agricultural soil for an indefinite period. The complex interaction between Foc, bananas, and the environment has restricted efforts to develop FWB prevention and control. Thus, it is essential to investigate all dimensions of the interactions relating to the occurrence of FWB in plantations. The purpose of this preliminary study was to assess the reversed interaction of soil attributes and FWB. The relationships between Fusarium wilt disease incidence and soil characteristics were analyzed using a forward linear regression analysis with dummy variables. Age, as well as shrubs and weeds, were incorporated as dummy variables. The first model of forward linear regression with soil moisture as the dependent variable significantly revealed that R2 is larger and more strongly correlated when plant conditions and banana tree age variables are included in the model (p = 0.0). Still, a comprehensive experimental approach is required for better understanding since an increasing human population in the future may pose a threat to food security.