Transgenics in Fruit Crops: Development, Applications, and Public Perceptions

Abstract

Transgenic technology has emerged as a powerful tool in modern horticulture, offering solutions to challenges such as biotic and abiotic stresses, nutritional enhancement, and post-harvest losses in fruit crops. This review presents a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in the development of transgenic plants, key applications in fruit crops, and the current status of research in this field. Transgenic interventions in fruit crops such as papaya (PRSV resistance), banana (delay ripening and fusarium wilt resistance), apple (non-browning trait and resistance to abiotic stress) and strawberry (tolerance to crown rot) highlight the broad spectrum of improvements. Special emphasis is given to public perception and acceptance of genetically modified fruits, which continues to shape the pace of commercialization. The regulatory approval process for GM crops remains complex, time-consuming and varies across the countries. Moreover, regulatory decisions are frequently influenced by political and public pressures rather than purely scientific assessments, further hindering adoption. Advances in genome editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas, coupled with improved transformation systems and regulatory clarity, are expected to accelerate the development and acceptance of transgenic fruit crops. Overall, this review provides insights into the role of transgenics in advancing sustainable fruit production and addresses the critical gaps that must be bridged for wider adoption.