Bananas are a key food source for millions, whilst their production supports the livelihood of farmers across the globe. However, recent research has identified the vulnerability of particular banana varieties to major pests and diseases. With the banana industry under threat of extinction, more research is required into understanding the biology of the pests and diseases that pose this threat so that more effective management strategies can be developed and the risk of fu...

Focus on key issues in expanding the genetic base for Musa, including, exploiting current collections of germplasm and collecting and evaluating wild Musa species and landracesCovers methods for improving fertility, resistance and other traits in CavendishReviews the range of conventional and modern molecular techniques for breeding new banana varieties

Assesses current yields in different regions and constraints in improving productivityDiscusses all the key stages in cultivation needed to make banana production more efficientReviews ways of assessing and improving the sustainability of banana cultivation