The northern Brazilian state of Ceará has been declared free of bacterial disease Ralstonia solanacearum, also known as banana moko, the nation's Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) reported in the Official Gazette on Wednesday.

Last year, the bordering states of Piauí and Pernambuco were also declared free of the disease that causes yellowing in leaves, reduced fruit size and rotting.

The status in Ceará has been established for an undetermined amount of time, dependent on the state's compliance with maintenance standards, the ministry said. These requirements include semiannual phytosanitary inspections in commercial and domestic production areas, including nurseries, specified Agricultura.ruralbr.com.br.

Wounds on plants can leave them susceptible to Ralstonia solanacearum. Disease hosts include tools, plant roots and pollinating insects such as bees. To control spread, infected plants should be detected early and eradicated.

Related story: Moko disease a threat to Colombian banana costs

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