Biodiversity of Fruit Crops and Utilization in Food and Nutritional Security

The world’s fruit biodiversity is enormous in terms of genetics, species, and ecosystem. America grows about 1000 species of fruits, 500 are found in Asia, 1200 are grown in Africa, and 300 are seen in India. Fruit species show high adaptability to various environmental conditions and variable cropping systems. The need for fruits increases year by year due to an increase in public awareness of the nutrition importance, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes in people’s lifestyles from consuming lots of carbohydrates to consuming more fruits and vegetables also increase the demand for fruits. Fruit species and varieties have high variation of nutrients and phytochemicals. Fruits are low in calories and fat and a great source of sugars, fiber, and micronutrients, which are essential for our health. This diversity contributes to food security, global health, and nutrition security. Their utilization is influenced by traditional knowledge and culture of local communities. This chapter describes the potential contribution of eight fruit species and their wild relatives, namely durian (Durio sp.), rambutan (Nephelium sp.), mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.), dragon fruit (Hylocereus sp.), salacca (Salacca sp.), papaya (Carica papaya L.), pineapple (Ananas sp.), and mango (Mangifera sp.) for food and nutritional security. The information provided is about their origin, existence, distribution, nutritional and phytochemical compounds, and medicinal potential. Currently, fruit biodiversity is threatened by rapid genetic erosion because of habitat destruction, uncontrolled exploitation, and climate change. Some of the fruit species have not been identified, poorly maintained, and undocumented, which can lead to extinction. Conservation and sustainable use activities could be protected from being threatened.