Some farmers are transforming its flavour to meet different market demands, but this has raised the ire of durian purists.Some farmers are transforming its flavour to meet different market demands, but this has raised the ire of durian purists.
“The feasibility has been shown in other crops; however, identifying the exact genes and ensuring other fruit traits are not compromised presents a challenge,” he told The Star. “Malaysia maintains a strict genetically modified organism policy, ensuring safety while fostering scientific and biotechnological advancements,” he added.
While flavour adjustments are possible by altering the fruit’s exposure to fermentation and bruising, she said the focus should be on the quality of the fruit, not just its sweetness. “Since fruit cannot be factory-produced, farmers rely on organic fertilisers to improve the durian flavours, which is a standard practice,” he said.
Mr Stephen Chow, a durian orchard owner with more than 30 years of experience, noted that exporters would tailor their selections to meet the sweetness preferences of consumers in other countries, which is a standard business practice.