Genetic Transformation of Cyphomandra betacea (Tamarillo)

Abstract

The tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea, family Solanaceae) is one of several exotic fruit species that have received increased attention in New Zealand following the commercial success of kiwifruit. The species was known as the tree tomato until 1967, when the name was changed in New Zealand to tamarillo to avoid confusion with the common garden tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), to which Cyphomandra species are distantly related in the Solanaceae. The species is native to the Andean region of South America and has been introduced into the West Indies, India, and southern Europe (Endt 1990). In New Zealand up to 2000 t of fruit are produced annually, with the majority (80%) being sold as fresh fruit in the domestic market. The remainder is either exported (with a value approaching NZ $1 million in 1992) or sold for canning.