Plant Genetic Engineering: Horticultural Applications

The nutrient value of vegetables and fruits is of crucial importancefor human health. Human nutrition greatly depends on storageproducts of plants abundant in roots, tubers or seeds, and includes starch, carbohydrates, oils, lipids and proteins, as well as secondary metabolites, minerals and vitamins. The knowledge of metabolic pathways and isolation of genes greatly associated with plant physiology and biochemical interactions is necessary for plant improvement. Altering protein and vitamin levels, changing the composition of fatty acids, starch and sugars and /o r incorporating most beneficial compounds in a balanced way will hopefully result in production of a lower number of fruits and vegetables enriched with advantageous properties, thus reducing the cost for users and improving the processes in agro-based industry.