Biolistic is a special high-performance method for direct delivery of foreign DNA, RNA, or protein into plant cells. This method has less physiological risk on plant cell since there is no need for microbial intermediaries (Agrobacterium strains) and requires less additional DNA. Moreover, it can adapt for both monocotyledon and dicotyledonous plants. Recently, this method has also been successfully used to plant genome editing. Therefore, in this chapter, we discuss the application of this method for genetic improvement of some commercially important of tropical and subtropical fruit trees including banana, date palm, citrus, mango, olive, and pineapple. Also, we explain the details of biolistic protocols used for transient and stable gene expression in these fruit trees.

Global warming affects the crop productions. In this regards, a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) population derived from Kauz (heat-tolerant) × Montana (heat sensitive) was used to mapping the quantitative trait locis (QTLs) associated with phenological durations in normal and heat conditions over two years. The range of broad-sense heritability was recorded between 0.55 and 0.90. Ninety three QTLs were identified in the wheat genome, some of which were stable in two years and some in one year with minor and major effects. The most stable QTLs mapped on chromosomes 1A and 5A at 0.01cM and another on chromosome 2D at 22.83cM regions. Chromosome 2D carried 45% of all QTLs detected in the present study. The genetic distance between two gwm132-gwm484 markers on chromosome 2D consisted of QTLs with the highest LOD (19) and R2 (76.9%). This study provides valuable information for genes controlling the phenological stages in bread wheat.