Transgenic Papaya

Abstract

Papaya (Carica papaya), a member of the family Caricaceae, is mainly grown for its aromatic melon-like fruits. Papaya is rich in vitamins and a range of phytochemicals such as flavonoids, polyphenols, alkaloids and proteolytic enzymes. This dicotyledonous, semi-woody perennial, with a somatic chromosome number of 18, is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical lowland regions. Its favourable nutritional profile, together with a fast maturation rate from seed and continuous fruit production thereafter, makes it a suitable h crop for the fresh market and processed food industry. Disease resistance, increased yields and improved quality and storage traits are important objectives for breeding programmes of this crop. While significant improvements have been made with conventional hybridization techniques, programmes incorporating methods of genetic engineering offer opportunities for the transfer of genetic variability from other gene pools. This chapter provides an overview of papaya biotechnology. Much of the review addresses transgenic virus resistance, which is the major application. Approaches related to improved quality traits and pharmaceutical productions are also examined.