CRISPR Breakthrough: Sweeter, Larger Tomatoes Achieved
Researchers in China have genetically modified two genes in large tomato varieties to increase their sweetness without affecting size, weight, or yield. By disabling the genes SlCDPK26 and SlCDPK27, which reduce sugar-producing enzymes, the modified tomatoes showed a 30% increase in fructose and glucose levels. The study, published in Nature, suggests that while these tomatoes are not as sweet as cherry varieties, further genetic modifications could enhance sweetness further.