Genetic Diversity in Bananas and Plantains (Musa spp.)

Bananas and plantains belong to the family Musaceae and are cultivated throughout the humid tropics and sub-tropics. This crop is perennial with a faster relative growth rate compared to other fruit crops, while producing fruit all year round. Because of their nutritional value, bananas and plantains are considered the fourth most important crop worldwide after rice, wheat and corn. In many countries of Africa, bananas are considered an important part of the diet; the population in Uganda consumes per capita an average of 191 kg per year [1]. This crop also represents an important source of income for many rural families that work directly or indirectly in this industry. The edible Musa spp. originate from two wild species, Musa acuminata Colla and M. balbisiana Colla, with the A and B genomes, respectively, as well as their hybrids and polyploids.