Bananas and Plantains (Crop Production Science in Horticulture, 19)

## Abstract The Crop Production Science in Horticulture series examines economically important horticultural crops selected from the major production systems in temperate, subtropical and tropical climatic areas. Systems represented range from open field and plantation sites to protected plastic and glass houses, growing rooms and laboratories. Emphasis is placed on the scientific principles underlying crop production practices rather than on providing empirical recipes for uncritical acceptance. Each volume follows a common format covering all aspects of production, from background physiology and breeding, to propagation and planting, through husbandry and crop protection, to harvesting, handling and storage. This volume (2nd edition) focuses on bananas and plantains (__Musa__), discussing topics on their distribution and importance (chapter 1); taxonomic classification, cultivars and breeding (chapter 2); morphological characteristics and plant development (chapter 3); climatic requirements and problems due to climate (chapter 4); phenological and physiological responses (chapter 5); site selection, soil requirements and soil Preparation (chapter 6); establishing plantation (chapter 7); systems of cultivating bananas and product certifications (chapter 8); nutritional requirements (chapter 9); water requirements and irrigation (chapter 10); horticultural management (chapter 11); diseases (chapter 12); pests (chapter 13); harvesting and fruit handling (chapter 14); and ripening, biochemistry and uses (chapter 15). Bananas and plantains are major fruit crops in the tropics and subtropics, making a vital contribution to the economies of many countries. In the last 15 years substantial changes have occurred in banana production, among them the increased importance of fungal and viral diseases and their serious impact on Cavendish export cultivars, smallholder plantains and cooking bananas. Changes in production systems, such as protected greenhouse cultivation, organic, fairtrade and integrated cultivation and their respective certification schemes have also become prominent. This book provides an accessible review of the scientific principles of banana production and how these relate to field practices. Revised and updated with expanded coverage of world trade statistics and policies, breeding of new cultivars in relation to disease resistance and markets, prospects for genetically-modified bananas and the increasing role of endophytes in controlling pests and diseases, this new edition is an essential resource for researchers and students in horticulture --Book Jacket Bananas and plantains are major fruit crops in the tropics and subtropics, making a vital contribution to the economies of many countries. In the last 15 years, substantial changes have occurred in banana production, among them the increased importance of fungal and viral diseases and their serious impact on Cavendish export cultivars, smallholder plantains and cooking bananas. Changes in production systems such as protected greenhouse cultivation, organic, fair-trade and integrated cultivation and their respective certification schemes have also become prominent. This book provides an accessible review of the scientific principles of banana production and how these relate to field practices. This new edition has expanded coverage of world trade statistics and policies, breeding of new cultivars in relation to disease resistance and markets, prospects for genetically-modified bananas and the increasing role of endophytes in controlling pests and diseases.

Bananas and plantains are major fruit crops in the tropics and subtropics and make a vital contribution to the economies of a number of countries. They are very important in the nutrition of local populations as well as tradeable commodities with large markets throughout the developed world. This book provides an accessible review of the scientific principles of banana production and relates these to field practices. Although the focus is on commercial cavendish banana production, plantains are also discussed where possible. The author also makes interesting comparisons between commercial banana production in the tropics and in the subtropics, where different climates necessitate different management. Overall, the book provides a concise but broad textbook, suitable for students and non-specialist research workers and professionals in horticulture, agronomy and food science.

Distribution and importance Taxonomic classification, cultivars and breeding Morphological characteristics and plant development Climatic requirements and problems Phenological and physiological responses Site selection, soil requirements and soil preparation Establishing a plantation Systems of cultivating bananas and product certifications Nutritional requirements Water requirements and irrigation Horticultural management Diseases Pests Harvesting and fruit handling Ripening, biochemistry and uses.