ABSTRACT
This chapter provides the state of knowledge on genotype by environment interactions in Musa and components of phenotypic stability for some traits in this crop. It reviews how to manage GxE to have efficient selection schemes and multilocation testing prior to release of improved cultivars. Plantain and banana breeding programs aim to identify genotypes that have both a high and a stable yield in a range of environments. Further stability analysis of bunch weight and yield potential, based on the phenotypic coefficient of variation, allowed the identification of high-and stable-yielding tetraploid plantain-banana hybrids for West African humid forests. Careful management of organic matter is essential to achieve sustained perennial productivity of plantain under large-scale field production conditions. Root phenotypic plasticity refers to the ability of roots to adapt their structure to changes in the environment. Soil temperature, moisture level, partial pressure of carbon dioxide and oxygen, and nutrient availability are among the most important edaphic factors influencing root development.
