With 120 million tons produced per year, bananas, consumed as fruit or vegetable, are the world's leading fruit production. Playing a major role in the food security of southern countries, the banana industry also contributes to the economic balance of a large number of countries in tropical and subtropical regions. About 85% of the world production, mainly produced in non-intensive cultivation systems (home gardens, small plots, small farms), is destined for self-consumption or for local and regional markets. The remaining 15%, produced under highly intensive conditions by the banana industry, is exported to international markets in the northern countries.

Whether they are intended for export, domestic markets or self-consumption, these productions are endangered by several diseases (cercosporiosis, fusariosis) and pests (nematodes, weevils) but also now by climate change. If the chemical control practiced in intensive systems can be efficient for some of these bioaggressors, its environmental impact and on the health of rural populations, the evolution of regulations and the societal pressure require a drastic reduction of these practices. Moreover, due to their cost, pesticides are not easily accessible to small banana producers in the South.

The activities conducted by the team aim at creating new improved varieties for resistance to major pests, while maintaining agronomic performance and fruit quality. The development and adoption of these varieties will contribute to the sustainability of production by reducing the negative environmental impacts of industrial plantations, and to the food security and sovereignty of producing countries for local consumption.