Genetic Transformation of Fruit and Nut Species

ABSTRACT

Progress in application of genetic plant manipulations for improvement of the existing cultivars of fruit and nut species are discussed. The development of regeneration procedure and successful transformation system is cultivar dependent. Agrobacterium mediated gene transfer approach is the fruitful one. Transgenic plants expressing selectable and reporter genes were obtained for a number of fruit and nut genera. Useful genes encoding for proteins that are involved in diseases and pests resistance herbicide tolerance, fruit quality and growth architecture have been introduced in commercial fruit and nut cultivars. The propagation of genetically manipulated plants and their place in the fruit and the nut production, the environmental impact are also considered appropriately.