Strawberries are a global fruit crop treasured for their flavor and nutritional value. However, achieving a balance between high sugar content, which enhances sweetness, and high yield has been a challenge.
Traditional genome editing techniques encounter significant challenges in vegetatively propagated crops like grapes. Current transformation methods exhibit low efficiency and face difficulties in achieving stable plant regeneration across diverse grape varieties.
A study has tapped into the peach genome, creating large-scale gene co-expression networks (GCNs) that predict gene functions and streamline the peach breeding process. This innovative approach addresses the complex task of identifying genes linked to desirable breeding traits in peaches.
Globally, strawberries are gravely affected by Macrophomina phaseolina, a soilborne fungal pathogen that drastically reduces yields. Following the phase-out of conventional soil fumigants like methyl bromide, there is an urgent need to enhance genetic resistance to this pathogen.
Melon aroma greatly influences consumer preference and fruit quality. Climacteric melons produce more esters, while non-climacteric melons have more aldehydes. Understanding these genetic differences is crucial for breeding better melons. Although genes involved in volatile organic compound (VOC) biosynthesis have been identified, a comprehensive genetic map is still missing. In-depth research is needed to uncover the genetic basis of melon aroma and ripening behavior.