Improving melon shelf life with non-GMO molecular breeding technique
Molecular breeding technique identifying genes involved in the melon ripening process
KeyGene® applies a multidimensional approach to improve the shelf life in melon. In climacteric fruits, like apple, ripening continues after picking. Non-climacteric fruits like grape only ripen while still attached to the plant. Melon has both climacteric and non-climacteric varieties. The climacteric melon has better aromas and it is easier to recognize when they are ripe. The non-climacteric melon hardly ripens after picking but has a longer shelf life. How combine the best of both types of fruits in order to control the ripening process and to improve shelf life?
Impact on shelf life
KeyGene® created transcriptomic and genetic data on involved genes, as well as phenotypic data (how does the melon look or taste) and combines it with information available in the public domain. A candidate gene list will be selected for further study based on knowledge of the gene’s impact on shelf life. Validation will provide an answer on the key question: which genes are really involved in the ripening process in melon?
Molecular breeding technique
Then, the KeyPoint® Mutation Breeding technology comes around in order to reach the final goal: a melon variety with adequate shelf life and with all qualities consumers appreciate.