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.