MAKASSAR, Indonesia May 31 2026 /Postharvest Metabo-Engineering/-Durian is famous for its strong aroma, creamy texture, and unique taste that people either love or avoid. However, behind this iconic tropical fruit lies a new scientific revolution that could completely transform how durian is cultivated in the future. Modern technologies known as omics are now helping scientists understand durian at the molecular level, from its genes to its flavor compounds and disease resistance.
According to the review article “From Omics to Orchard: The Role of Omics in Durian Cultivation” published in the journal Current Plant Biology by Elsevier on 12 March 2025, omics technologies such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiomics are becoming powerful tools for improving durian cultivation. The article explains how these technologies can help farmers increase fruit quality, improve disease resistance, and support sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia.
Today, global demand for durian continues to increase rapidly, especially in countries such as China, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, durian cultivation faces serious challenges, including climate change, fungal diseases, unpredictable rainfall, and declining soil quality. These problems can reduce productivity and increase production costs for orchard owners.
This is where omics technology becomes important. Genomics, for example, studies the complete genetic information of durian plants. Scientists can identify genes related to fruit aroma, sweetness, ripening speed, and resistance to diseases. Researchers have already discovered genes associated with sulfur compounds that create durian’s famous smell. They also found genes related to carotenoid production, which influences the yellow color of durian flesh.
Another important approach is metabolomics, which studies chemical compounds inside the fruit. Through metabolomics, scientists discovered that durian contains beneficial bioactive compounds such as glutathione, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. These compounds have antioxidant properties that may help protect human cells from oxidative stress. Some studies even suggest that immature durian extract has neuroprotective potential and anti-inflammatory effects.
Omics technology is also helping farmers fight plant diseases. One of the biggest threats to durian orchards is root rot disease caused by Phytophthora pathogens. By using microbiomics, researchers can study beneficial microorganisms living in the soil and identify microbes that naturally suppress harmful pathogens. This approach reduces dependence on chemical fungicides and promotes more environmentally friendly farming systems.
In addition, omics supports modern breeding programs. Traditional durian breeding can take decades because durian trees need years before producing fruit. With genomic information and molecular markers, scientists can select superior seedlings much faster. This may lead to the development of durian varieties with longer shelf life, stronger disease resistance, and better taste.
The development of omics in durian cultivation is strongly connected to SDG 15: Life on Land. Sustainable durian farming can help protect biodiversity, improve soil health, reduce excessive chemical use, and maintain healthier agricultural ecosystems. Through precision agriculture and biological approaches, omics technologies support environmentally responsible farming while maintaining high productivity.
In the future, combining omics technology with sustainable orchard management could change the global durian industry. Farmers may produce healthier, higher-quality durians while reducing environmental impacts. As science continues to unlock the secrets of the “King of Fruits,” durian cultivation may become smarter, greener, and more sustainable for future generations.
Reference:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpb.2025.100466
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