A study led by Cynthia Sagers of Arizona State University found that genetically engineered canola plants can survive long-term outside farms but may be losing their herbicide resistance genes. The research, conducted in North Dakota, showed a decrease in feral canola populations and a rise in non-resistant plants, suggesting evolutionary pressure to shed transgenes. This challenges the assumption that transgenic crops won't intermix with wild populations and highlights the need for further research on the environmental impact of de-domesticated crops.
Home gardeners can look forward to growing a new variety of tomato this summer: the Purple Tomato, a genetically modified organism developed by Norfolk Plant Sciences. These cherry tomatoes carry purple color genes from a snapdragon flower, resulting in high levels of anthocyanins, which have potential health benefits. The Purple Tomato aims to challenge public perceptions of GMOs and is described as having a rich and savory taste. Seeds are available for purchase, offering the opportunity to add a colorful and flavorful addition to summer salads.
Norfolk Plant Sciences has developed a genetically modified Purple Tomato, containing high levels of anthocyanin, a health-promoting compound from snapdragon DNA, and is now available for home gardeners to grow from seed. The company aims to change perceptions of GMO foods by marketing directly to consumers, highlighting the benefits of biotechnology for taste and nutrition. The trend for nutrient-dense GMOs, like the Purple Tomato, reflects a shift towards biofortified foods. However, traditional breeding methods have also produced tomatoes with enhanced nutritional benefits, raising questions about the acceptance and future of GMO crops.
The European Union is considering relaxing its legislation on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and genetic engineering in order to promote the development of more resistant crops and ensure food security. The proposed draft legislation would classify certain genetically modified plants produced with new genomic techniques (NGTs) as NGT-1, exempting them from existing regulations on GMOs if they do not contain genetic material from other organisms and do not differ significantly from conventionally bred plant varieties. The legislation aims to differentiate between plants grown using new techniques and those grown with classic plant-breeding methods. Experts have expressed mostly positive opinions on the draft legislation, although some have raised concerns about the scientific basis and practicality of the proposed criteria. The legislation would exclude herbicide-resistant NGT plants from exemptions, which would continue to be regulated under existing GMO laws.
