To develop technology and support in technology transfer for fruit commodity. The technology cluster on fruits commodities such as papaya, pineapple, melons, carambola, salak, sapota, rambutan, durian and many other fruits of economic importance

The main research work is focused on breeding, agronomy, physiology, pathology, entomology and post-harvest managements. The research is undertaken by a team of researchers which covers a diversity of areas. This involved multi-disciplines such as breeding and selection of new species, agronomy (cultural practices and planting techniques), pest and diseases management and post harvest handling. While these disciplines are handled by the staff in the Horticulture Research Centre, other areas of research for fruit technology such as tissue culture, a method of producing mass planting materials (by the Biotechnology Research Centre) and fruit product (by the Food Technology Research Centre).

R & D Focus areas:

• Development of new varieties/clones of fruits through conventional and modern techniques, comprising introduction, evaluation and selection of characters with economic value suitable for highly efficient and modern cropping systems; and heterosis breeding with the ultimate objective of developing hybrid/clonal varieties.

• Development of efficient and cost-effective crop production systems with optimum input utilization for increased yield and quality.

• Development of pest and disease management technologies which are environment friendly and sustainable.

• Development of packaged technologies on post harvest handling of fruits for domestic and export markets.

The experiments are undertaken at MARDI Serdang and several other MARDI station such as Bukit Tangga, Jerangau, Kluang, Pontian and Kuala Kangsar.