Fruit and Vegetable Quality

sexual gene transfer strategies, and because of its considerable economic
importance especially in the U.S. but also in southern European coun-
tries (70 million tons produced worldwide in 1993).
The breeding goals in tomato have to be grouped by the purpose of
use. Besides general goals, tomatoes have to fulfil specific demands for
either processing or fresh market use (Table 2.2). Ripening characteris-
tics, solids content, and fruit color have all been subject to genetic en-
gineering.

Genetic Engineering of Traits Affecting Quality 27

FIGURE 2.2Most frequent trait categories of field-released transgenic crops in the
U.S. 1987–1997 (permits and notifications). Source:USDA/APHIS/BSS.

General Processing Fresh Market

• High yield • High solids content • Intense, uniform fruit color


• Disease resistance • Small and firm fruit • Unblemished fruit


• Concentrated • Uniform ripening • Larger but uniform fruit
  fruit set • Long shelf life
  
  
  • Good taste
  
  
  
  

Table 2.2. Breeding Goals in Tomato