Revue comparative des méthodes de multiplication végétative du bananier et du plantain : avantages, limites et implications pour la durabilité des systèmes de production des petits exploitants agricoles

Abstract

Banana and plantain plants are primarily propagated vegetatively. Among smallholders, unmanaged sucker proliferation remains a common source of planting material, yet this practice can facilitate the spread of pests and pathogens when the initial material is not disease-free. This narrative review compares the main propagation methods described in the literature: unmanaged sucker proliferation, in vitro culture, in situ techniques, and horticultural techniques—specifically plants derived from stem fragments (PIF). For each method, the principles, advantages, limitations, and available information regarding dissemination or adoption were examined. The analyzed literature indicates that in vitro culture offers high multiplication capacity and superior phytosanitary control when conducted using appropriate procedures, but it requires significant infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial resources. In vivo methods are more accessible to small-scale producers, and the PIF technique appears particularly well-suited to decentralized plant production systems. However, the data available in the reviewed literature do not allow for a robust quantification of each method's contribution to the sustainability of production systems. Consequently, improving the phytosanitary quality of planting material, as well as enhancing training for nursery operators and strengthening extension services, remains a priority.