Utilization of biotechnological tools in soursop (Annona muricata L.)

Abstract Global interest in soursop ( Annona muricata L.) had increased considerably in recent years due to its medical properties. Nevertheless, there is a rather scarce information regarding genomic and genetic resources. Soursop fruit shows a short postharvest shelf life due to the high respiration rate, ethylene production and fungi attack which increases the postharvest fruit losses and makes difficult its commercialization at international markets. Besides, postharvest handling and processing of this fruit is deficient due to the lack of scientific information in physiology, diseases and molecular biology. In this regard, the utilization of biotechnology tools should be integrated to increase the genetic variability and help in the design of improved agronomic practices with the goal to improve yield, reduce fungi attack and prolong the postharvest shelf life of soursop in the near future. The objective of this review is to discuss the most important biotechnological aspects of Annona muricata L. including fruit physiology, postharvest technologies, disease control, micropropagation and the utilization of tools derived from the DNA recombinant technology.