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.
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 in horticulture.