International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.1, 9-18 http://ecoevopublisher.com/index.php/ijmec 9 Case Study Open Access Global Trade and Genetic Resource Flow of Durian: Ecological Analysis of Regional Variety Adaptation ChuchuLiu 1,2 , Zhonggang Li 1 1 Cuixi Academy of Biotechnology, Zhuji, 311900, Zhejiang, China 2 Hainan Institute of Tropical Agricultural Resources, Sanya, 572025, Hainan, China Corresponding author: chuchu.liu@cuixi.org International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 2025, Vol.15, No.1 doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0002 Received: 08 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 12 Jan., 2025 Published: 20 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Liu and Li, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Liu C.C., and Li Z.G., 2025, Global trade and genetic resource flow of durian: ecological analysis of regional variety adaptation, International Journal of Molecular Ecology and Conservation, 15(1): 9-18 (doi: 10.5376/ijmec.2025.15.0002) Abstract This study explores the global trade dynamics and genetic resource flow of durian, with a focus on the ecological adaptation of regional varieties. It examines major durian-producing and exporting countries, key importing markets, and trade regulations influencing durian distribution. Additionally, the study discusses the genetic diversity and exchange of durian germplasm, emphasizing the role of breeding programs and biotechnology in enhancing climate adaptation and disease resistance. From an ecological perspective, it assesses environmental factors affecting durian adaptation, including climate conditions, soil characteristics, and pest and disease management strategies. Through case studies, such as the expansion of Musang King in the Chinese market and the introduction of hybrid varieties in emerging markets, this study provides practical insights into the sustainability of durian cultivation. By integrating ecological analysis with market research, this study aims to support the long-term sustainability of durian production and trade while ensuring genetic diversity and environmental sustainability. Keywords Durian (Durio zibethinus L.); Global trade; Genetic resource flow; Variety adaptation; Ecological sustainability 1 Introduction Durian (Durio zibethinus L.), also known as Shaozi or civet fruit, is a tropical evergreen tree belonging to the Malvaceae family. Its leaves are slender and pointed at the front, and its flowers are light yellow and bloom in clusters. The fruit of durian is large, like a football, with a hard shell and covered with thorns. The flesh is composed of aril, which is yellowish in color, sticky, juicy, and tastes special. Because of its high nutrition and special taste, it is often called the “king of fruits”. The market price of durian has always been high, and the demand is also growing. This has led to the expansion of the planting scale of major durian producing countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Today, durian has become one of the most exported and profitable fruits in Southeast Asia. The demand for durian in the international market is also rising. This export-oriented planting method not only illustrates the economic potential of the durian industry, but also reflects the structural characteristics of Southeast Asian agriculture (Teh et al., 2017; Nawae et al., 2023). The taste of durian comes from its unique smell. Scientists have found that its pulp contains more than 50 volatile substances, most of which are sulfides, such as ethanethiol, methyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide and trimethylamine (Aziz and Jalil, 2019). These ingredients work together to form the "stinky and fragrant" taste of durian. In order to meet market demand and increase production, many countries are also promoting new varieties and expanding the planting area of durian (Khaksar et al., 2024). Durian is also rich in nutrition and contains many active ingredients that are beneficial to the human body. For example, the calories per 100 grams of durian pulp are about 147 kcal, while apples only have 60 kcal. The energy of durian is about 2.4 times that of apples. In terms of carbohydrates, durian contains 28.3 grams per 100 grams, which is significantly higher than the 13.5 grams of apples and 10.2 grams of pears. Durian is also rich in minerals, especially potassium, which is high, with 261 mg of potassium per 100 grams. Potassium is very helpful in regulating the sodium-potassium balance in the body and can also help lower blood pressure. In addition, durian has a lot of dietary fiber, similar to apples, which can help intestinal peristalsis and facilitate defecation.
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