The origin of the Department of Fruit Crops dates back to 1935, with the establishment of a “Fruit Research Station” at Kodur (now in Andhra Pradesh) by the then Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.

Research on fruits gained further intensification with the functioning of the Fruit Section at Coimbatore in 1950.

The department has well equipped tissue culture laboratory, UG and PG laboratories with computer facilities.  Breeding, management, plant protection and post harvest technology of fruit crops are the mandatory areas of research.  The faculties of this department are well trained at international institutes and laboratories. 

The Deparment has a well established orchard with varietal museum, crop cafeteria and experimental plots. 

TNAU is a pioneering institute for breeding of bananas and papayas at the global level.

The Institution has an extensive collection of banana inclusive of diploids (AA and AB), triploids (AAA, AAB and ABB) and tetraploids which is a strong base for banana improvement.

Systematic research work on crop improvement has led to the evolution of one banana variety and seven papaya varieties.