ReceptorLike Kinase (RLK) genes are one of the most important gene families in the angiosperm genome. A typical RLK protein consists of an Nterminal extracellular domain, a transmembrane region and a Cterminal intracellular kinase domain. Because of the specific evolutional characteristics of each plant, each subfamily and the number of RLKs were largely changed among different plants. Gene duplication, both fragmental and tandem, is the main cause of the rapid variation. We summarized the current progress in the study of RLKs in Rosaceae fruit trees, including genomewide identification, the evolutionary characteristics, the roles of RLKs on cell growth and development and responses to biotic and abiotic stresses in Rosaceae fruit trees. The studies on the roles of RLKs in the development of Rosaceae fruit trees have focused on roots, fruits, and pollen tubes. Plant RLK genes have a great significance to the growth and development, environmental adaptation and disease resistance of fruit trees. However, the research results of plant RLKs in Rosaceae fruit trees are not deep enough compared with model plants. We suggested that the future investigations in this field could focus on specific traits of Rosaceae fruit trees, such as developmental stage transition, dormancy, selfincompatibility, fruit development and quality formation, interactions between rootstock and scion and specific diseases (Valsa canker, apple ring rot, etc.). Based on molecular breeding, the target RLKs will be screened and induced for rapid application in practical production.