Bananas are the world's most popular fruit and the fourth most important crop in the developing world after rice, wheat and maize. The volume reviews current production around the world and how developments in cultivation practice can be used to improve yields sustainably.

Bananas are the world's most exported and valuable fruit. However, banana production faces a number of challenges, including a very narrow genetic base for commercial cultivation which leaves the crop highly vulnerable to a range of diseases and other stresses. There is an urgent need to improve existing and develop new varieties which retain key yield and quality characteristics whilst improving resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses. The book begins with a discussion of progress in identifying and broadening the genetic base for Musa species. Chapters review ways of classifying banana cultivars, exploiting current collections of germplasm and collecting and evaluating wild Musa species and landraces. Parts 3 and 4 review advances in both conventional and recent molecular breeding techniques and their application in producing improved varieties. Topics include improving fertility and other traits in Cavendish, developing hybrid varieties as well as techniques for genetic improvement.

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, such as the threat of Tropical Race 4 (Panama disease) to the Cavendish variety. 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 future outbreaks reduced. Achieving sustainable cultivation of bananas Volume 3: Diseases and pests provides a comprehensive review of the major pests and diseases affecting global banana production including Tropical Race 4, black Sigatoka, banana streak virus, root knot nematodes, weevil borer and thrips. The collection explores existing methods for pest/disease diagnosis and identification, as well as current management strategies used to control and/or prevent outbreaks, such as cultural, chemical and biological control methods, the development of disease resistant cultivars and integrated pest and disease management.

Volume 2 begins with a discussion of progress in identifying and broadening the genetic base for Musa species. This provides the foundation for Parts 3 and 4 which review advances in both conventional and recent molecular breeding techniques and their application in producing improved varieties.