We work with partners to generate public goods in support of Musa improvement, both conventional and novel, and take an active role in identifying the products of breeding programmes that may be of special value to the poor, facilitating their wide evaluation and dissemination. The main breeding targets in Musa have been tolerance or resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses, but traits related to post-harvest characteristics, and especially those of value to the poor (e.g. increased nutritional value or suitability for local processing), are becoming increasingly important.
• Supporting conventional and novel approaches to Musa breeding. Through linkages with regional and international institutions, we are building the research and networking capacities of national partners, prioritizing research and facilitating technology transfer.
• Evaluating improved material. The International Musa Testing Programme (IMTP) is a collaborative effort to evaluate promising Musa varieties across a wide range of growing conditions in multi-locational trials. In the past, varieties were mostly screened for their resistance or tolerance to pests and diseases, but other valuable traits are increasingly considered.
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Grants
• Novel approaches to the improvement of banana production in Eastern Africa (phase II)
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Uganda Biotech phase II