Panama disease is a fungal infection caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum that primarily affects banana plants. It leads to wilting and yellowing of leaves, ultimately causing the plant to die. This disease is particularly harmful to the Cavendish banana variety, which is widely cultivated and consumed around the world. First identified in Panama in the early 20th century, the disease has since spread to many banana-growing regions. Control measures are limited, as there are no effective chemical treatments. Farmers often resort to crop rotation and planting resistant varieties to manage the impact of this devastating disease.