When it comes to agriculture GMO or genetically modified fruits and vegetables are probably among the most controversial topics out there. It is only after using genetically modified food for a long time that we would become aware of their positive as well as negative side. Right now, it is too early to say anything. However, maybe after a few decades, we would be in a better position to draw conclusions. At present, it doesn’t look like GMO pose any serious threat to our health or to the environment. Therefore, unless some research discovers them to be harmful, we shouldn’t shy away from including them in our everyday diet.
So why are they genetically modifying these foods?
The whole point of improvising or genetically modifying foods is to help in creating specific traits. These traits or characteristics along with various other factors help to lesser the yielding process. Hence, genetically modified crops would eventually lead to better yield and minimal wastage of crops to pests, diseases, lack of water and so on. Here are ten such genetically modified fruits and vegetables.
1. Hypo-allergenic GM tomatoes
The next in the list of genetically modified fruits and vegetables is the hypoallergenic tomato. Food allergies are one of the most common problems that many people face. Some people are very sensitive to tomatoes. Keeping this factor in mind, scientists have developed a genetically modified tomato. This specially formulated tomato contains 90 percent less profiling. A small protein leads to vegetable and fruit allergies. Various tests were conducted on a team of 16 people who were allergic to tomatoes. The team took extracts of both the GM and the regular tomatoes . The results showed that the patients responded more favorably to the GM tomato and they had lesser allergic reactions to the same.
2. Purple tomato with snapdragon gene to fight cancer
Plant geneticist Cathie Martin and her team of UK researches proved that anything is possible by developing the purple colored tomato. This is genetically modified version of the original tomato but comes with a unique combination. To develop the purple tomato, the team combined the snapdragon flower and tomato. It has a color that is similar to the eggplant but modified to produce more anthocyanins which is antioxidant pigmentation. To observe the results, the team used two different groups of mice. One group consisted of mice that were prone to cancer while the other were normal and healthy. The team made sure that they did not modify the natural nutritional aspect of the tomato since it was already rich in anthocyanins. Well, the team is still waiting for the green signal considering that it does take time to get the clearance through regulation.
3. Genetically modified bananas
GM bananas is the next type of fruit that has made it to the list of genetically modified fruits and vegetables. A team in Uganda is responsible for this particular modification. The reason behind this modification is due to the growing concerns of a bacterial disease called Xanthomonas. This diseases has been rotting banana plantations for long. Though a few trials of the GM banana have shown success, the Ugandan people are not resorting to the GM technology yet.
The unique combination of lemon and tomato is the next name on the list of genetically modified fruits and vegetables.Thanks to the efforts of a few Israeli researchers, Lematos a tangy and sour fruit that is a boon to the environment. This light red colored veggie has a reduced quantity of lycopene. This vegetable has a better and longer shelf life. Not to forget, it is eco-friendly as well since it does not require too many pesticides for growing.
5. Genetically modified plums
The honeysweet plum’s new version has the capability of resisting Plum pox, which is a virus that destroys plum plants. The team working behind this genetically modified fruit is awaiting the green signal. Once they do get the go ahead, they are planning to even work on other fruits like apricots, peaches, cherries and so on.
6. Genetically engineered Golden Rice
Golden Rice is about two decades old and is orange in color. One of the major reasons of genetically modifying rice is to increase the beta- carotene levels in the rice. This is an important nutrient for our body and helps in the production of Vitamin A. This form of rice is idea for people (including kids) who have Vitamin A deficiency. The sad part is that this rice is not yet available in the markets, because there are many people who do not support GM crops
7. Genetically modified sugar beets
Presently across ten different states there is a revolution that has started for the cultivation of genetically modified sugar beets. The USDA is yet to let us know if this is the only one crop that will be harvested. The people behind this genetic evolution are also waiting to find out if they can continue growing this new form of sugar beat or not. Well, it will take close to three years to understand who will be the major suppliers of the modified sugar beets.
8. The genetically modified fruits and vegetables Graisins
The graisin is a genetically modified version of the raisin and is larger than its usual size. The team that is behind the development of the graisin hails from Japan’s National Institute of Genetic . Just like any other perennial crops, you can have them growing all year round with a better taste.
9. Colorful carrots
Orange carrots contain a pigment called Xanthophylls that helps improve eyesight; similarly, red carrots contain a pigment called lycopene. This is similar to carotene that is good for fighting some cancers as well as beneficial for the heart. Purple carrots get their color from anthocyanins, which are rich antioxidants that guard the cells in the body. The person behind this modification is Wisconsin’s Phillip Simon a carrot breeder who is part of ARS Vegetable Crops Research Unit in Madison. The quantities of the various pigments has been altered to give carrots more nutritional benefits – and of course, different colors. People are yet to like the new flavor of this kind of carrot.
10. Genetically modified fruits and vegetables – Pluots
The Pluot is a cross between plum and an apricot is a fruit which has a strong flavor. It is a is rich in vitamin C and contains no cholesterol or sodium. The Pluots look like plums and come in many varieties.There are different varieties of the plutos such as Dapple Dandy, Flavor Grenade etc. which are readily available in the market.