Revision of the Global Strategy for the Conservation and Use of Musa Genetic Resources

The Global Strategy for the Conservation and Use of Musa Genetic Resources aims to provide a clear framework and roadmap to be used by the Musa community for the efficient and effective conservation of the globally important collections of Musa and to strengthen the utilization of the genetic resources toward an increased use of available diversity. It includes recommendations and priorities indicated in several consultation processes following the 2006 Global Musa Strategy and particularly the expertise and key groups represented, including the Regional Research Networks (BAPNET, BARNESA, Innovate Plantain and MusaLAC). Crucially, it contains detailed information on how to best use genetic resources. The Strategy covers numerous topics dealing with Musa genetic resources, with the 12 chapters divided into four main parts: Diversity, Identity, Management and Use. Each chapter contains the sections titled Where we are, Where do we want to go, and How will we get there. In 2015, the Global Musa Genomics Consortium (GMGC) was integrated into MusaNet as the Genomics Thematic Group (GTG) in order to solidify the links between genomics and the other fields of Musa research. In the Global Strategy, the GTG has proposed objectives for the next 5-10 years, such as applying genomics tools to banana to better characterize genetic resources in collections and support knowledge for breeding. For Musa researchers, including taxonomists and breeders, but also direct users such as farmers, decisions on the management of banana diversity are often made with limited information. With this in mind, the Global Strategy will be a core reference on the taxonomy, characterization, evaluation and genetic improvement of cultivars, leading to actions such as the selection of new and more appropriate cultivars.