Challenges of Iran's Fruit Industry and their Improvement Using Nuclear Technology

In line with the implementation of policies to increase the production and growth of non-petroleum exports, tree fruit production can be developed as substitute due to their wide potential and public acceptance. In order to produce high quality fruit and high yield in the orchards, it is necessary to modify the old orchards, establish new orchards with superior cultivars, and use new horticultural technologies. Most of the breeding strategies are based on genetic diversity, selection, evaluation and hybridization. Induction of mutation using nuclear methods, including ionizing radiation, along with other traditional methods, can be used as an effective and quick solution to solve many horticultural problems. Considering the capabilities of the country in the field of peaceful applications of nuclear technology, as well as the emphasis on providing the country's needs, the use of modern nuclear technologies is necessary. This can cause the scientific, practical and technological development of the country in the field of fruit tree breeding, pests control, increasing the storage life of fruits, and as a result, increasing the export of horticultural products. Using nuclear techniques can be effective to reduce the difficulties of this industry. Also, the use of nuclear technologies in the direction of plant breeding in line with climate change and global warming is one of the indicators of progress in the field of agriculture in the world. This article has an overview of the challenges of Iran's fruit growing industry and suggests solutions to address these challenges using nuclear technology.