STAKEHOLDERS AND CONSUMERS USING A SYSTEMS-BASED APPROACH BREEDING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS TO IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENTISTS

From early domestication to modern genetic approaches, the focus of the plant breeding has always been to serve the needs of the society. Historically, plant breeders have selected for agronomic traits such as higher yield and disease resistance. However, with the advent of extensive medical research implicating fruits, vegetables and their bioactive compounds in human health, it has become imperative to pursue enhancement of specific health promoting compounds. Determination of target traits and optimum levels of these compounds, however, need to be evaluated carefully after better understanding of their bioavailability in the food matrix. In addition, the role played by various disciplines of science as well as stakeholder input is important in determining the overall objectives of a breeding program. The current review discusses breeding efforts to increase certain health promoting compounds impacting human health, while maintaining quality and yield.

BREEDING VEGETABLES AND FRUITS TO IMPROVE HUMAN HEALTH: A COLLABORATIVE EFFORT OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENTISTS, STAKEHOLDERS AND CONSUMERS USING A SYSTEMS-BASED APPROACH Conference Paper