The Durian

Durian is native to Southeast Asia where it is grown commercially. It is also a common feature of home gardens in rural areas. The durian has been introduced to other tropical countries where limited commercial production occurs, although it is commonly found in arboretums. It is known for its unique intense aroma and its sweet custard-like aril flesh, which have led to its title of “King of Fruit.” It has ardent afficionados who strongly advocate the appeal and benefits of the fruit. The aril flesh contains a number of different bioactive compounds, many of which are beneficial to human health. Processed durian products are available worldwide and are in demand by consumers. A short period of water stress induces flowering and, though there are some differences amongst cultivars, this stress requirement leads to periods when there is an excess fruit available in markets. This climacteric fruit has a short postharvest life at ambient temperatures that has posed problems in extending the marketing period, and this is compounded by its strong and particular smell that makes it difficult to export to distant markets. Research is needed to develop improved cultivars that have both disease and insect resistance, to develop production practices that control flowering and enhance yield and fruit quality, and to extend knowledge of postharvest physiology and technology to improve handling and to extend the fresh market period within the postharvest chain.