Advances in fruit development and ripening

Fruits originate from different tissues of the plant’s reproductive organs. They have evolved primarily to protect the developing seeds from the environment, and to act to facilitate seed dispersal and subsequently plant propagation. In order to become attractive to seed-dispersing animals, fleshy fruits undergo changes in several physical and chemical properties including softening, flavour development, and pigment biosynthesis in a complex physiological syndrome known as ripening. The unique array of metabolites accumulated during ripening make fruits an indispensable component in any healthy diet. Hence, fruits are an excellent source of nutrients such as vitamins, carbohydrates, and minerals, as well as fibre. In addition, they accumulate a large set of healthy phytochemicals. From the breeding point of view, increasing visual, sensory, nutritional, and nutraceutical quality properties of fleshy fruits are currently important objectives.