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Abstract

The phasing out of preferential market arrangements with the advent of global trade liberalisation has led, in part, to a programme of Agricultural Diversification in the Caribbean, with a particular focus on the production of tropical fruits. It is envisaged that an increase in the production of tropical fruits, will not only better satisfy local consumption and tourism needs, but could also be used for export and processing. However, in order to realise these objectives, there is need for a great deal of research and development at the levels of both production and post-production. Modern Biotechnology provides the opportunity to carry out such research, not only in a shorter period of time, but in a more effective manner. The role of some of these new technologies viz. fermentation, plant cell and tissue culture, r-DNA, RFLP, RAPD, DNA-hybridization probes, monoclonal antibodies and anti-sense RNA in enhancing the production and post-harvest quality of fruits will be discussed. Whilst good scientific research is critical to the successful adoption of these technologies, adequate attention to the socio-economic, political and ethical issues is of equal importance.

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