Breeding Progress of Root, Tuber and Banana Crops

Dear Colleagues,

Root, tuber and banana (RTB) crops, including banana, cassava, potato, sweet potato, taro and yam, among others, play a major yet underappreciated role in global food security and climate resilience, particularly for smallholder farmers and processors in the Global South. Cassava is Africa's most produced staple and China and India lead global potato production, whereas RTB crops are forecasted to create nearly USD 200 billion in additional value across the African continent up to 2050, the highest value among all groups of crops. Recent state-of-the-art modelling research highlights roots and tubers and their exceptional climate resilience among all crop groups.

Despite chronic underfunding, substantial progress has been achieved in all aspects of the genetic improvement of RTB crops, including yield, agronomic, quality and processing traits, climate resilience, increased breeding efficiency, genetic gains, and on-farm impact.

We invite breeders, geneticists, and scientists to submit original research and reviews on all aspects of RTB genetic improvement to this Special Issue. This Special Issue will provide an authoritative account of recent scientific advances and aims to inspire the next generation of researchers to advance these vital crops and strengthen farmers’ incomes and livelihoods.

Dr. Hugo Campos
Dr. Ismail Rabbi
Dr. Brajesh Singh
Guest Editors

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