Genomic resources and genetic improvement of vital tropical and subtropical fruit crops: current status and prospects.

Fruits are integral to agriculture and receive considerable attention due to their multifold health and nutritional benefits, particularly in the post-pandemic era. The wide range of climatic conditions gives rise to a myriad of fruits grown in different agro-climatic zones; however, fruits grown in tropical and subtropical zones deserve particular attention by virtue of their bountiful nutritional compounds and contribution to substantial growth in the economic sector. Nevertheless, their production is severely affected by their perishable and delicate nature, often limited by various biotic and abiotic factors that result in pre- and post-harvest losses. Scientific advancements have catalyzed efforts to augment the production of tropical and subtropical fruits through genetic and genomic interventions, resulting in the development of numerous advanced genomic resources. These innovations present new opportunities to address key challenges in fruit production, including the mitigation of anti-nutritional factors, improvement of sensory attributes, extension of both pre- and post-harvest shelf-life, chilling sensitivities, and ancillary crop improvements. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of the genetic and genomic resources available for influential tropical and subtropical fruits, with an emphasis on their potential impact in the context of market acceptability and economic feasibility. These include whole-genome sequencing, which provides insights into domestication and adaptation processes; quantitative traits facilitating the identification of loci associated with desirable traits; functional genomics, enabling biotechnological interventions; the miRNA repertoire for precise trait modulation; and the integration of these resources with CRISPR/Cas9 for tailoring trait modification and recovery. Furthermore, the review highlights the role of web-based platforms that enhance stakeholder engagement and marketing strategies, thereby accelerating the translational potential of research and development in this field. Moreover, the inclusion of single-cell approaches for uncovering cellular heterogeneity, along with multi-omics strategies for dissecting complex traits, is critically discussed. Collectively, these genomic resources are poised to drive transformative changes in the production and utilization of tropical and subtropical fruits, contributing to global nutritional security and sustainable horticultural practices.