Tanzania, Jan. 16 -- Arusha. Experts are racing against time to stop a new banana disease threatening one of the leading food staples in the country.

Known as Fusarium wilt TR4 and first detected in 2013, the disease is feared to severely impact on banana production if left unchecked.

Tanzania, one of the major banana growers in Africa, and Mozambique are among countries targeted under a drive to tame the menace.

"We will investigate banana farming systems and the cultivars grown," said Mr George Mahuku, an expert leading the research team.

Banana production practices in the two countries would also be investigated "to identify practical measures to reduce risks.

He revealed this here recently during a recent meeting to launch the th...