Improving plantain (Musa spp. AAB) yields on smallholder farms in West and Central Africa

Abstract

Plantain is an important staple in West and Central Africa, where it is predominantly grown by smallholder farmers. On-farm data are rare but yields are considered to be low. We collated actual yields in the region, reviewed regional plantain research published from 1976 to 2013, then estimated what yields would be attainable on smallholder farms if the proven, best-fit innovations were adopted. Mean actual yields reported ranged from 2.9 to 8.9 Mg ha −1 with a mean of 5.7 Mg ha −1 for False horn plantain and 4.5 to 10.2 Mg ha −1 with a mean of 7.8 Mg ha −1 for French plantain. Experiments found dealt with: cultural practices, particularly intercropping; abiotic factors such as fertiliser, mulch application and irrigation; biotic factors, predominantly sucker sanitation methods, but including three controlled yield loss studies on nematodes and black sigatoka; landrace comparisons and the introduction of improved cultivars, predominantly those exhibiting black sigatoka-tolerance. We conclude that intercropping should be retained according to farmer preference as there was no evidence of yield reductions for plantain. Boiling water treatment of suckers should be universally recommended. Inputs, whether mulch or K fertiliser up to 300 kg ha −1 , should be applied as both reduced plant losses and increased bunch mass. With the highest yielding local landrace type, on-farm yields could be increased from 7.8 Mg ha −1 to 35.5 Mg ha −1 with purchased inputs or to 23.7 Mg ha −1 without purchased inputs.

Field resistance of transgenic plantain to nematodes has potential for future African food security

“…Black sigatoka and nematodes are the major biotic constraints affecting plantain production in West and Central Africa 10 11 . Black sigatoka (caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis ) accounts for losses of about 40%, while nematodes are responsible for losses of about 31–50% with current yields of 7.8 metric tonnes per hectare 12 . Losses due to nematodes are most severe when storms cause toppling to plants that have root systems damaged by them.…”

Banana and plantain in West Africa: Production and marketing

“…However, in the last decades these countries have experienced fairly stable plantain yield. Overall, the improvement in plantain yields in the last decade could be linked to various research efforts in the region leading to the discovery of hybrid plantain cultivars to replace local verities that are highly susceptible to diseases [8][9][10].…”

Strength Analysis and Variation of Elastic Properties in Plantain Fiber/Polyester Composites for Structural Applications

“…Plantain fruit is one of the staples in Nigeria and it is mainly cultivated in the tropics and ethnic enclaves [21]. It is evaluated that 70 million individuals in West and Central Africa derive most of their nourishment and vitality requirements from plantain fruit plant [22,23]. Plantain fruit has a fare potential in the light of its huge cultivation and consumption in Nigeria and many other African countries.…”