Molecular Plant Breeding 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 231-240 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 237 of sucrose, which directly determines the sweetness and taste of the fruit. Current research has found that these genes may have undergone genetic modifications such as selective pruning, promoter mutations, or copy number changes. These changes together form the molecular basis for the strong aroma and good taste of “Musang King”, and are also the key to its quality optimization during the domestication process. 9 Future Directions in Durian Breeding and Genetic Engineering 9.1 Potential of CRISPR and marker-assisted selection As genome sequencing technology becomes more and more mature, molecular breeding has now become an important method for improving durian varieties. Molecular markers such as SSR (simple sequence repeats) and RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) have been widely used in durian research. They can be used to analyze genetic diversity, identify different varieties, and assist in the selection of genes for good traits (Prihatini et al., 2016; Santoso et al., 2017; Siew et al., 2018). These tools also lay the foundation for gene editing technologies such as CRISPR. CRISPR can precisely modify specific trait genes. Doing so can speed up breeding and help us cultivate high-quality durian varieties faster (Nawae et al., 2023; Jantan et al., 2024). 9.2 Conservation of wild durian genetic resources for breeding Wild durian has rich genetic resources and is an important material for future breeding innovation. Studies have shown that some local varieties show high diversity in both appearance and genes. In order to protect these resources, scientists recommend the use of in situ conservation plus selective breeding, retaining the population in its natural state while selecting individuals with excellent traits for breeding (Lin et al., 2022). In addition, technologies such as DNA barcoding and molecular markers can also help us better identify and classify wild durian. These methods can clearly understand the relationship between them and help organize and preserve resources (Sundari et al., 2021; Huy et al., 2023). 9.3 Challenges and ethical considerations in durian genome modification Although gene editing and molecular breeding technologies have good prospects, there are still many difficulties in their actual application on durian. One problem is that the durian genome is very complex, with many structural variations and differences, which makes it difficult for us to accurately find and modify the target gene (Nawae et al., 2023). Another problem is that these technologies may bring some controversy. For example, genetic modification may affect the ecological environment, and consumers may not necessarily accept it. At the same time, it also involves biosafety and ethical considerations (Sundari et al., 2021; Huy et al., 2023). Therefore, in the process of promoting genetic modification in the future, we must not only continue to innovate in science, but also pay attention to ethical and social reactions and find a balance. 10 Concluding Remarks Systematic research has found that during the domestication of durian, some genes related to fruit traits have changed. These changes are the result of long-term human selection. By analyzing the genomes of different varieties, researchers found that the number and presence of genes in durian in terms of disease resistance, flowering and fruit ripening vary greatly. Molecular markers such as SSR have been developed to help scientists identify and locate genes for good traits. These tools are very useful for breeding and germplasm resource protection. In terms of appearance and fruit traits, durian in different regions also has many differences. Although some varieties look similar, they are different in details such as thick peel, thick flesh, and length of fruit thorns. These differences provide a good reference for breeding good varieties. Pollinating animals such as bats are also critical to the yield of durian. They can help durian complete pollination and affect the quantity and quality of fruit. Protecting these animals can also help the durian industry develop more stably. The current research results are very helpful for durian molecular breeding and future development. Through genetic diversity and molecular tools, researchers can find genes related to disease resistance, high quality and high yield more quickly. This can make breeding faster and more accurate. Studying the differences in durian traits and genetic structure can also better protect local varieties and prevent important genes from being ignored or lost. If pollinators are disturbed, durian production may decline. Protecting them is protecting productivity. This part also needs to be included in the long-term planning of the durian industry. In addition to the flesh, there are
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