Banana Breeding

Michael Pillay, Ph.D. is an associate professor at Vaal University of Technology in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa.Abdou Tenkouano, Ph.D. is a counselor at the Research for Development Council at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture in Croydon, United Kingdom.

At last, a book that focuses on banana breeding. Not only are Musa breeding techniques, strategies and philosophies detailed in ways not done before, but there are also comparisons made with breeding three other clonally propagated tropical crops and the lessons they can teach banana scientists. In addition, there are chapters by various authors covering such topics as Musa genetic resources, morphology, pests and diseases, fruit quality, propagation and dissemination of hybrid cultivars, as well as the latest developments in biotechnology and genomics. They complement one another and point the way forward to the development of new cultivars with disease and pest resistance, while satisfying consumer expectations.The chapters reflect the personal and practical experiences of the authors and the editors are to be congratulated on compiling an excellent new resource on bananas and banana breeding. This book provides basic as well as advanced information for those interested in learning more about banana, as well as those pursuing further research in the crop. Excellent bibliographies in many chapters provide a valuable documentation of the diverse research activity that has taken place in the past few decades and should be of use to serious scholars. I recommend this book to all interested in the genetic improvement of tropical crops, particularly those interested in banana breeding and production.—Mike Smith, Experimental Agriculture, 2011

• General Plant Morphology of Musa. Evolution and Genetic Relationships in Banana and Plantains. Genetic Resources for Banana Improvement. Genomes, Cytogenetics, and Flow Cytometry of Musa. Genetics of Important Traits in Musa. Major Diseases of Banana. Integrated Pest Management of Banana. Reproductive Biology. Breeding Techniques. Mutations and Cultivar Development of Banana. Biotechnology in Musa Improvement. Genotype by Environment Interaction and Musa Improvement. Quality Improvement of Cultivated Musa. Postharvest Processed Products from Banana. Propagation Methods in Musa. Hybrid Distribution to Farmers: Adoption and Challenges. Molecular Breeding of Other Vegetatively Propagated Crops: Lessons for Banana. Future Prospects. Index.