There are currently 7 MusaNet thematic groups that work across all disciplines of banana-related research:
Conservation Partnership and Safe Movement of Germplasm
Objectives
- Strengthen the capacity of partners for the cost-effective long-term conservation and management of germplasm collections
- Facilitate safe access to useful Musa genetic resources in improvement programmes and by other users
Email: bioversity-musanetconservation@ groups.cgiar.org
Genetic Diversity, Gap Filling, Taxonomy and Characterization
Objectives
- Ensure the secured conservation of the entire Musa genepool by assessing the diversity conserved and filling gaps, with an emphasis on threatened material
- Enhance the value of Musa genetic resources through effective collaborative characterization
Email: bioversity-musanetgeneticdiversity@ groups.cgiar.org
Germplasm Evaluation and Use
Objectives
- Enhance the value of Musa diversity through effective collaborative evaluation and pre-breeding efforts
- Set priorities for evaluation research, breeding, and use of Musa diversity, ensuring critical links with the regional networks
Email: bioversity-musanetgermplasmevaluation@ groups.cgiar.org
Germplasm Information and Documentation
Objectives
- Raise awareness with key partners on the importance of Musa conservation, documentation, exchange and sharing the benefits arising from their use
Email: bioversity-musanetinformationanddocumentation@ groups.cgiar.org
Genomics
Objectives
- Apply genomics tools to banana to better characterize Musa genetic resources in collections and eventually support knowledge for breeding
- Discuss, advise, coordinate and prioritize resource development in genomics
Email: bioversity-musanetgenomics@ groups.cgiar.org
Production Systems
Objectives
- Explore and innovate integrated pest managment (IPM) technologies/ approaches, including biocontrol approaches to control banana pests and diseases
- Strengthen the capacity of partners to mitigate impacts of banana pests and diseases
- Prevent pest or disease spread through surveillance, mapping, risk assessments and early warning system development
- Strengthen the capacity of partners to increase banana system productivity and resilience through sustainable intensification and diversification approaches
- Develop and or/ mainstream modelling tools and approaches for sustainable system intensification
- Mainstream the use of digital tools for knowledge sharing, production system mapping and banana health status assessments
Value Chain
Objectives
- Strengthen the capacity of partners for cost-effective long-term postharvest management of Musa
- Enhance the value of Musa through effective collaborative and postharvest characterization
- Set priorities for postharvest and market research, ensuring critical links with the regional networks
- Document/catalogue socially differentiated information on cultivar use and preferences for the diverse value chain actors
