Substantial Equivalence of Transgenic Lemon Fruit Showing Postharvest Fungal Pathogens Resistance

The development of GM crops speeds up the obtainment of novel varieties with improved agronomic characteristics. However, risk evaluation of the use of GMs is mandatory before their release in the market. In this paper, an untargeted and comprehensive NMR-based metabolomic study was carried out on peel and flesh of a transgenic lemon clone (E23) expressing chit42 gene and exhibiting an increased tolerance to some pathogenic fungi, and on its wild type. Results highlighted a substantial equivalence of the metabolomics profile of the transgenic clone compared to the wild type. In addition, an enhanced response of the E23 clone towards fungal pathogens affecting post-harvest management in lemon was evidenced. These results confirm the potential of genetic engineering for the punctual modification of specific agronomic traits without altering the whole pattern of metabolites and open new perspectives for a more sustainable and effective management of specific postharvest diseases in citrus.