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...

Members of the genus Phytophthora cause serious damage to a huge array of plants. From the nineteenth century Irish potato famine to current widespread threats to forests and ecosystems in North and South America, Europe and Australia, the genus lives up to its reputation as the plant destroyer. This book provides an overview of Phytophthora species impacting crops, forests, nurseries, greenhouses and natural areas worldwide. Chapters cover major hosts, identification, epidemiology, manage...

This book features five peer-reviewed reviews on understanding and tackling Fusarium wilt in global banana production.The first chapter examines the way in which monoculture has affected the banana industry and discusses the available banana varieties, the advent of the Cavendish variety and the need to develop new banana varieties.The second chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the history, epidemiology and management of F. oxysporum forma specialis cubense Race 1 ...

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