Skip to main navigation menu Skip to main content Skip to site footer
Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. sp3 (2025): Advances in Plant Health Improvement for Sustainable Agriculture

Revitalizing minor fruit production: Strategies for crop improvement and value addition

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.8830
Submitted
12 April 2025
Published
19-07-2025

Abstract

Minor fruits hold great potential for value addition and processing into market lead products with high commercial value. Despite being underutilized in agriculture due to limited crop improvement efforts, lack of awareness and vulnerability to biotic and abiotic stresses, they offer significant opportunities for economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. Minor fruits like bael, bilimbi, jamun, aonla, phalsa, ber, kiwi, rambutan, longan, fig, tamarind, passion fruit, persimmon, karonda, khejri, carambola, chironji, pilu, wood apple, loquat, West Indian cherry, mahua, monkey jack, rose apple, red pear, sea buckthorn and durian have numerous health benefits both directly and indirectly. Through value-addition processes such as drying, canning and processing into value-added products, these fruits can be transformed into marketable commodities with an extended shelf life. Value addition enhances the income-generating capacity of small-scale farmers, thereby contributing to poverty alleviation and rural development. Promoting nutrition can be enhanced by proper water and nutrient management, genetic strategies and postharvest handling. Secondly, it explores the role of value addition in creating employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship particularly among marginalized communities. By encouraging sustainable agricultural practices such as organic farming and agroforestry, crop development and value-addition initiatives can mitigate environmental degradation and promote sustainable agriculture. This dual focus on economic empowerment and environmental sustainability underscores the potential of crop improvement in minor fruits as a catalyst for holistic rural development.

References

  1. 1. Chacha JS, Ofoedu CE, Suleiman RA, Jumbe TJ, Kulwa KB. Underutilized fruits: challenges and constraints for domestication. In: Future Foods. Academic Press; 2022. p. 133–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91001-9.00022-0
  2. 2. Roy D, Das K, Nandi P, Kundu S, Ghosh B, Sharath AA, editors. Kendu-a promising underutilized forest fruit species for poverty alleviation of tribals. In: III International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species 1241; 2015. p. 711–6. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1241.103
  3. 3. Paul A, editor. Minor and uncultivated fruits of Eastern India. In: 2nd International Symposium on Minor Fruits and Medicinal Plants for Better Lives. 2013.
  4. 4. Hoeschle-Zeledon I, Jaenicke H, editors. A strategic framework for research and development of underutilized plant species with special reference to Asia, the Pacific and Sub-Saharan Africa. In: I International Symposium on Pomegranate and Minor Mediterranean Fruits 818; 2006. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2009.818.49
  5. 5. Roy A, Bauri F, editors. Scope of minor fruit production in India. In: III International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species 1241; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1241.7
  6. 6. Porika H, Chavan M, Karosiya A, Suchithra M, editors. Under-exploited fruits-a high potential for processing and value addition. In: III International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species 1241; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1241.91
  7. 7. Tripathi PC. Medicinal and theraptic properties of minor fruits-a review. International Journal of Minor Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. 20217(2):1–28. https://doi.org/10.53552/ijmfmap.2021.v07ii02.001
  8. 8. Mattas K, Nastis SA, Michailidis A, Tsakiridou E, Spyridon K. Unveiling the hidden gems: Minor crops as catalysts for sustainable development, biodiversity conservation, and economic resilience. Sustainable Development. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2930
  9. 9. Banerjee A, Manasa S, Ranganna G, Chowdhury S, Singh A, Ravindra NR, et al. Unveiling the rich tapestry of minor fruit crops: Cultivation practices, market strategies, and contributions to agricultural diversity and sustainability. Journal of Advances in Biology & Biotechnology. 2024;27(5):821–34. https://doi.org/10.9734/jabb/2024/v27i5844
  10. 10. Debbarma R, Diengngan S, Kambale R, editors. Utilization of biotechnological approaches for germplasm conservation and sustainable use of underutilized fruit species in India. In: III International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species 1241; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1241.23
  11. 11. Meena VS, Gora JS, Singh A, Ram C, Meena NK, Rouphael Y, et al. Underutilized fruit crops of Indian arid and semi-arid regions: importance, conservation and utilization strategies. Horticulturae. 2022;8(2):171. https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae8020171
  12. 12. Singh P, Sharma A, Tandon V, Salgotra RK, Sharma M, Gupta V, et al. Genetic diversity and population structure of bael [Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa] genotypes using molecular markers in the North-Western plains of India. Scientific Reports. 2024;14(1):18032. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-69030-1
  13. 13. Hazra SK, Sarkar T, Salauddin M, Sheikh HI, Pati S, Chakraborty R. Characterization of phytochemicals, minerals and in vitro medicinal activities of bael (Aegle marmelos L.) pulp and differently dried edible leathers. Heliyon. 2020;6(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05382
  14. 14. Singh A, Singh S, Saroj P. Thar Srishti: First highly centric (locules) bael (Aegle marmelos) variety. Current Horticulture. 2021;9(1). https://doi.org/10.5958/2455-7560.2021.00001.7
  15. 15. Sugiharto S. The potentials of two underutilized acidic fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi L. and Phyllanthus acidus L.) as phytobiotics for broiler chickens. Journal of Advanced Veterinary Research. 2020;10(3):179–85.
  16. 16. Juman M, Nordin ML, Woldegiorgis EA, Zulkiple SA, Shaari R. In vitro study of antifungal activity of Averrhoa bilimbi extracts against Candida species. International Journal of Veterinary Science. 2020;9(1):104–10.
  17. 17. Sharma VK, Sharma D, Sharma R, Sharma SD, Dhiman K, Murkute AA. Morpho-molecular exploration and selection of elite genotypes from indigenous Syzygium cumini L. Skeels (jamun) diversity of North-Western Indian Himalayas. Plant Genetic Resources. 2023;21(4):312–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/S147926212300076X
  18. 18. Shakya R, Siddiqui S, Srivatawa N, Bajpai A. Molecular characterization of jamun (Syzygium cumini L. Skeels) genetic resources. International Journal of Fruit Science. 2010;10(1):29–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/15538361003676769
  19. 19. Rozar KP, Kumar S, Sharma R, Hegde N, Kumar KS, Kumari N. Variability in morpho-physicochemical traits and selection of superior genotypes of aonla (Phyllanthus emblica L.) from Northeast India. Indian Journal of Plant Genetic Resources. 2024;37(03):460–6. https://doi.org/10.61949/0976-1926.2024.v37i03.08
  20. 20. Patidar D, Tripathi M, Tiwari R, Baghel B, Tiwari S. In vitro propagation of Emblica officinalis from nodal segment culture. Journal of Agricultural Technology. 2010;6(2):245–56.
  21. 21. Kaur S, Shams R, Dash KK, Pandey VK, Shaikh AM, Harsányi E, et al. Phytochemical and pharmacological characteristics of phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.): A comprehensive review. Heliyon. 2024;10(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25046
  22. 22. Aleem S. Advancements in mutation breeding in phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) crop improvement: A comprehensive review of radiation and chemical induced mutagenesis studies. Haya: Saudi Journal of Life Sciences. 2024;9(5):158–71. https://doi.org/10.36348/sjls.2024.v09i05.002
  23. 23. Flaishman M, Peer R, Freiman Z, Izhaki Y, Yablovitz Z, editors. Conventional and molecular breeding systems in fig (Ficus carica L.). In: V International Symposium on Fig 1173; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1173.1
  24. 24. Flaishman M, Yablovich Z, Golobovich S, Salamon A, Cohen Y, Perl A, et al. Molecular breeding in fig (Ficus carica) by the use of genetic transformation. Acta Hortic. 2008;798:151–8. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2008.798.20
  25. 25. Kumari N, Sharma A, Gupta N. Scope of fig (Ficus carica L.) cultivation in north west India. International Journal of Plant Sciences. 2020;14(2):73–4.
  26. 26. Rattanpal H, Sidhu G, Bons H, editors. Tree and fruit characteristics of fig cultivars grown in Punjab. In: V International Symposium on Fig 1173; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2017.1173.20
  27. 27. Cerqueira-Silva CB, Santos ES, Jesus ON, Vieira JG, Mori GM, Corrêa RX, et al. Molecular genetic variability of commercial and wild accessions of passion fruit (Passiflora spp.) targeting ex situ conservation and breeding. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2014;15(12):22933-59. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms151222933
  28. 28. da Silva Bezerra LB, Viana AP, de Paula Bernado W, Mendes DS, Campostrini E, da Silva FA. Viral infection by CABMV-cowpea aphid-borne mosaic virus-reduces gas exchange in passion fruit leaves. European Journal of Plant Pathology. 2025:1–7. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4707997/v1
  29. 29. Yakushiji H, Sugiura H, Yamasaki A, Azuma A, Koshita Y. Tree growth, productivity, and fruit quality of ‘Fuyu’persimmon trees onto different dwarfing rootstocks. Scientia Horticulturae. 2021;278:109869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2020.109869
  30. 30. Choudhary KB, Moharana P, Sanyal A. Unveiling the superior provenances of khejri (Prosopis cineraria) trees in arid lands of Western Rajasthan. Research Square. 2024. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4395614/v1
  31. 31. Subbiah A, Prabhu M, Kumar AR, Indhumathi K, Jagadeesan R, Nithyadevi A, et al. Studies on the influence age of rootstocks and season on grafting success in manila tamarind (Pithecellobium dulce Roxb.). Legume Research. 2024;47(1):78–81. https://doi.org/10.18805/LR-5244
  32. 32. Lata A, Yadav HK, Nair NK. Genetic diversity and population structure analysis in wood-apple (Limonia acidissima L.) using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2024;71(4):1355–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-023-01699-1
  33. 33. Lamani S, Murthy HN. Diversity of wood-apple (Limonia acidissima L., Rutaceae) genetic resources in South India. Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution. 2022;69(8):2929–46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-022-01467-7
  34. 34. Sá FV, Gheyi HR, Lima GS, Paiva EP, Moreira RC, Silva LD. Water salinity, nitrogen and phosphorus on photochemical efficiency and growth of west indian cherry. Revista Brasileira de Engenharia Agrícola e Ambiental. 2018;22:158–63. https://doi.org/10.1590/1807-1929/agriambi.v22n3p158-163
  35. 35. Suárez NF, Latini AO, Rufini JC, Reis LA, Silva DP, Abreu RA, et al. Unusual pollinator attractants increase the fructification rate on West Indian cherry trees. Journal of Applied Entomology. 2022;146(3):284–90. https://doi.org/10.1111/jen.12964
  36. 36. Grover A, Gupta SM, Bala M. Biotechnological approaches for seabuckthorn improvement. In: The Seabuckthorn Genome. Springer, Cham; 2022. p. 173–86. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.705.231
  37. 37. Wang LY, Li SS, Wang TY, He CY, Luo HM, Zhang JG, et al. Genomic SSR and EST‐SSR markers for phylogenetic and pedigree reconstructions—A comparison in sea buckthorn. Plant Breeding. 2021;140(1):167–83. https://doi.org/10.1111/pbr.12889
  38. 38. Yallesh Kumar HS, Hippargi K, Nataraj SK, Shivakumar BS, Hullur S, Ganapathi M, et al. Nutraceutical and medicinal values of minor fruits in Western Ghats of South India. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry. 2018;7(3S):404–8.
  39. 39. Ashok A, Ravivarman J, Kayalvizhi K. Nutraceutical values of minor fruits on immunity development to combat diseases. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2020;9(6):1303–11. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.906.162
  40. 40. Mahapatra AK, Panda PC. Wild edible fruit diversity and its significance in the livelihood of indigenous tribals: Evidence from eastern India. Food Security. 2012;4:219–34. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12571-012-0186-z
  41. 41. Das SC, Prakash J. Minor fruits: a livelihood opportunity for the tribal peoples of Tripura. Acta Horticulturae. 2009;890:65–70. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.890.5
  42. 42. Talucder MS, Ruba UB, Robi MA. Potentiality of Neglected and Underutilized Species (NUS) as a future resilient food: A systematic review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 2024:101116. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2024.101116
  43. 43. Mazumdar BC. Minor fruit crops of India: Tropical and subtropical. Daya Books; 2004.
  44. 44. Hazarika T, Marak S, editors. Wild edible fruits of Meghalaya, North-East India: an unexplored potential for nutritional security and economic prosperity. In: III International Symposium on Underutilized Plant Species 1241; 2015. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1241.104
  45. 45. Schiassi MC, de Souza VR, Lago AM, Campos LG, Queiroz F. Fruits from the Brazilian Cerrado region: Physico-chemical characterization, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activities, and sensory evaluation. Food Chemistry. 2018;245:305–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2017.10.104
  46. 46. Dolley N, Lyngdoh N, Singh S, Singh MC, Devi MB, Hazarika BN. Domestication of Phoebe cooperiana in the Eastern Himalayas: population variation in morphological and biochemical fruit parameters. Plant Genetic Resources. 2020;18(4):259–69. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479262120000210
  47. 47. Mitra S, Majhi D, Lembisana Devi H, Pathak P, editors. Potential underutilized tropical and subtropical fruits of Asia and Oceania. In: XXVIII International Horticultural Congress on Science and Horticulture for People (IHC2010): International Symposium on 921; 2010. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2011.921.13
  48. 48. Gupta S, Pradheep K, editors. Diversity, conservation and use of underutilized and minor fruits in India: An overview. In: XXX International Horticultural Congress IHC2018: V International Symposium on Plant Genetic Resources and International 1297; 2018. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2020.1297.8
  49. 49. Hare Krishna HK, Saroj P, Maheshwari S, Singh R, Meena R, Ram Chandra RC, et al. Underutilized fruits of arid & semi-arid regions for nutritional and livelihood security. International Journal of Minor Fruits, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. 2019;5(2):1–14.
  50. 50. Sahu RS, Tiwari M, Deka N. The role of organic farming in creating food security and sustainable livelihoods for India’s smallholder farmers: a systematic review using PRISMA. Organic Agriculture. 2024;14(1):95–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13165-024-00457-6
  51. 51. Tiwari A, Mishra D, Kumar S, Champathi Gunathilake D. Exploitation of climate resilient minor tropical fruit crops for nutritional and livelihood security in Fiji Islands. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2018;7(11):2135–42. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.711.240
  52. 52. Arnold M, Powell B, Shanley P, Sunderland TC. Forests, biodiversity and food security. The International Forestry Review. 2011;13(3):259–64. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554811798293962
  53. 53. Mazumdar H, Neog M, Deka M, Ali A, Rajbongshi A, Chakravorty M, et al. Value addition of some minor fruits of NE India-A strategy for doubling farmer’s income. (A review). International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications. 2020;10:10095. https://doi.org/10.29322/IJSRP.10.04.2020.p10095
  54. 54. Dolley N, Lyngdoh N, Devi MB, Hazarika B. Characterization of fruit morphological parameters and effect of pre-sowing treatment in Phoebe cooperiana: an economically important wild edible fruit of Arunachal Pradesh. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Science. 2019;8(4):2704–11. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479262120000210
  55. 55. Verma A. Regeneration problem of wild edible fruits and impact on Himalayan langur (Presbytis entellus). Current World Environment. 2020;15(2):273. https://doi.org/10.12944/CWE.15.2.15
  56. 56. Rawat S, Das KK. Value addition of underutilized fruits of arid region: A review. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2020;8(4):1655–9. https://doi.org/10.22271/chemi.2020.v8.i4p.9847
  57. 57. Adhikary T, Kumar DH. Advances in postharvest packaging systems of fruits and vegetables. In: Md Ahiduzzaman, editor. Postharvest Technology-Recent Advances, New Perspectives and Applications. London: IntechOpen; 2022. p. 151. https://doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.101124
  58. 58. Brasil IM, Siddiqui MW. Postharvest quality of fruits and vegetables: An overview. In: Preharvest Modulation of Postharvest Fruit and Vegetable Quality. Academic Press; 2018. p. 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-809807-3.00001-9
  59. 59. Kumar D, Kalita P. Reducing postharvest losses during storage of grain crops to strengthen food security in developing countries. Foods. 2017;6(1):8. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods6010008
  60. 60. Onwude DI, Chen G, Eke-Emezie N, Kabutey A, Khaled AY, Sturm B. Recent advances in reducing food losses in the supply chain of fresh agricultural produce. Processes. 2020;8(11):1431. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr8111431
  61. 61. Gupta N, Trilokia M, Sood M, Dogra J, Singh J. Utilization of under-utilized fruits through value addition in Kandi Areas of Jammu region. International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences. 2018;7(5):1965–77. https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2018.705.231
  62. 62. Gabriel AA. Fruit juice processing: addressing consumer demands for safety and quality. In: Microbial food safety and preservation techniques. CRC Press; 2014. p. 52–71. https://doi.org/10.1201/b17465-7
  63. 63. Ningrum A, Anggrahini S, Kusumaningrum LD, Hapsari MW, Schreiner M, editors. Valorization of food by product from selected tropical fruits pomace. In: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science; IOP Publishing; 2018. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/205/1/012034
  64. 64. Sarkar T, Salauddin M, Roy A, Sharma N, Sharma A, Yadav S, et al. Minor tropical fruits as a potential source of bioactive and functional foods. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2023;63(23):6491–535. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2022.2033953
  65. 65. Singh A, Singh S, Saroj P, Mishra D, Yadav V, Kumar R. Cultivation of underutilized fruit crops in hot semi-arid regions: Developments and challenges—A review. Current Horticulture. 2020;8(1):12–23. https://doi.org/10.5958/2455-7560.2020.00003.5
  66. 66. Shackleton C, Dzerefos C, Shackleton S, Mathabela F. The use of and trade in indigenous edible fruits in the Bushbuckridge savanna region, South Africa. Ecology of Food and Nutrition. 2000;39(3):225–45. https://doi.org/10.1080/03670244.2000.9991616
  67. 67. Zanetti M, Samoggia A, Young J. Fruit sector strategic management: An exploration of agro-food chain actors’ perception of market sustainability of apple innovation. Sustainability. 2020;12(16):6542. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12166542
  68. 68. Galán Saúco V, editor. Potential of minor tropical fruits to become important fruit crops. In: IV International Symposium on Tropical and Subtropical Fruits 975; 2008. http://dx.doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2013.975.74
  69. 69. Hewett EW, editor. Perceptions of supply chain management for perishable horticultural crops: an introduction. In: International Conference on Quality in Chains An Integrated View on Fruit and Vegetable Quality 604; 2003. https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2003.604.2
  70. 70. Nandal U, Bhardwaj RL. The role of underutilized fruits in nutritional and economic security of tribals: A review. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2014;54(7):880–90. https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2011.616638
  71. 71. Yan SW, Ramasamy R, Alitheen NB, Rahmat A. A comparative assessment of nutritional composition, total phenolic, total flavonoid, antioxidant capacity and antioxidant vitamins of two types of Malaysian underutilized fruits (Averrhoa bilimbi and Averrhoa carambola). International Journal of Food Properties. 2013;16(6):1231–44. https://doi.org/10.1080/10942912.2011.582975
  72. 72. Ho LH, Bhat R. Exploring the potential nutraceutical values of durian (Durio zibethinus L.)–An exotic tropical fruit. Food Chemistry. 2015;168:80–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2014.07.020
  73. 73. Murthy HN, Bapat VA. Importance of underutilized fruits and nuts. In: Murthy HN, Bapat VA, editors. Bioactive Compounds in Underutilized Fruits and Nuts. Springer, Cham; 2020. p. 3–19. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-06120-3_1-1
  74. 74. Patial UR, Banyal SK, Sharma D, Kumar S. Underutilized fruits-potential for nutritional security and crop diversification. Indian Farmer. 2020;7(5):392–403.
  75. 75. Stadlmayr B, Charrondière UR, Eisenwagen S, Jamnadass R, Kehlenbeck K. Nutrient composition of selected indigenous fruits from sub‐Saharan Africa. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 2013;93(11):2627–36. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.6196
  76. 76. Morton JF. Fruits of warm climates. Creative Resource Systems, Inc;1987.
  77. 77. Parikh B, Shukla Y, Patel V. Nutritional profile of an underutilized Indian fruit: Rayan [Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard]. Indian Journal of Agricultural Biochemistry. 2016;29(1):51–3. https://doi.org/10.5958/0974-4479.2016.00009.5
  78. 78. Razzaq K, Sadiq MM, Ashraf H, Naz A, Hussain A, Maqbool A, et al. Peelu (Salvadora oleoides Decne.): An unexplored medicinal fruit with minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Biomed Research International. 2022;2022(1):5707953. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/5707953
  79. 79. Sarkar P, Bishnoi S, Shinde R. 17 Under-exploited fruits of the forests: Eastern Indian Plateau is a potential hub. In: Dutta AK, Mondal B, editors. Fruits for Livelihood: Production Technology and Management Practices. India: Agrobios; 2017. p. 261–278.
  80. 80. Chen A, Feng X, Dorjsuren B, Chimedtseren C, Damda TA, Zhang C. Traditional food, modern food and nutritional value of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A review. Journal of Future Foods. 2023;3(3):191–205. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfutfo.2023.02.001

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.