Embrapa Western Amazon and the Agricultural Defence Agency of Roraima (Aderr) will hold a Banana Moko Field Day on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8 AM to 12 PM in Caroebe, Roraima. The event is part of building a contingency plan to limit losses in local banana production.

Caroebe, in southern Roraima, is the state's largest banana-producing centre and has commercial ties with the Amazonas market. Moko, a bacterial wilt with a serious economic impact, has recently appeared there, so farmers urgently need direct technical support.

Moko is caused by the bacterium Ralstonia solanacearum race 2. It attacks the plant's vascular system and severely damages production. No resistant varieties or chemical treatments exist for infected plants.

Research in the Amazon has mapped how symptoms show up in different parts of the plant, which lets farmers and extension technicians diagnose the disease early. It has also validated a protocol for eradicating the pest in upland areas. The bacterium survives on leftover host-plant material and cannot persist long in the soil. For that reason, Embrapa recommends leaving the land free of host plants for 24 months.

At the event, Embrapa plant pathologist Luadir Gasparotto will present chemical methods for eradicating infected plants and key biosecurity measures. The main advice is to disinfect machinery, tools and footwear so the pathogen doesn't spread from contaminated areas to healthy plantations. Talks and field visits will help producers spot Moko symptoms and will cover early diagnosis, biosecurity and how to contain the pest.