Banana Breeding

Bananas and plantains (Musa spp.) are a key crop across the humid subtropics with a global production of about 100 million tonnes, providing subsistence farmers and smallholders with both nutrition and a source of income. Even under poor conditions, bananas give a useful crop and contribute to food security. Most Musa cultivars are largely sterile with parthenocarpic fruits (fruit development occurs in the absence of seeds) and derived from inter- and intraspecific hybridisation between the species. Musa acuminate and Musa balbisiana, designated with the diploid genomes AA or BB respectively. Modern biotechnology has progressed sufficiently to impact on banana improvement if direction and support are applied; and if proper linkage to breeding programmes, to industry’s needs, and to basic research were established. This book is an indispensable reference for scientists, researchers, teachers, students, policy makers and planters.