Longest-Lasting Tomatoes Ever?

(CBS)  This article was written by Discover'sSmiriti Rao.

If you were looking to make tomatoes last longer in your kitchen, then researchers in India might have the answer. Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in New Delhi have found that by suppressing two enzymes (alpha-Man and beta-Hex) associated with ripening, they could push tomatoes to last close to 45 days before they turned mushy. Their research was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science journal.

The tomatoes in which the alpha-Man enzyme was suppressed were 2.5 times firmer than conventional tomatoes, while those lacking in beta-Hex were two times firmer [Moneycontrol]. The genetically modified (GM) tomatoes also survived for days without refrigeration, which scientists say is great news for farmers in developing nations; India, for example, loses almost 40 percent of its annual produce of fruits and vegetables to spoilage during transportation.

The genetically-modified tomato would have to pass a series of field trials, including animal safety tests, before it can be considered for commercial cultivation. The NIPGR scientists say the process could take three years, perhaps longer [The Telegraph].The researchers have also been reported as saying they will consider the same technique to try and make fruits like papayas and bananas last longer. However, GM tomatoes and fruits would likely encounter stiff resistance from consumers who don't want food they perceive as unnatural in the grocery stores. Also, no word from scientists on how their GM tomatoes
By Smiriti Rao
Reprinted with permission from Discover

[rf35]

A lot of people don't realize that their food has been genetically modified ever since humans first starting cultivating plants for eating. The old ways were through selective breeding. The techniques are just different now and the results much quicker. Given time, I'm sure these enzymes could be bred out of the tomatoes. It just might take a couple centuries or at least a few decades. Same story with meat. Want natural beef? No such thing. Think about it...ever seen wild cattle? Once you domesticate a plant or animal, you have genetically modified it. Now quit whining and eat your lunch!

[north1949]

The difference between hybridization and genetic modification is immense; as much as the difference between stupidity and ignorance.
There is nothing "natural" about gene splicing, adding foreign genetic material to a species, etc. I suggest you do more homework on both subjects before you post again.

[PimpyboyOqueef]

I love this story mostly for the lame excuses the 24 and 25 years old toddlers are giving. Kids say the darndest things don't they. Somebody empty their diapers and let's get serious. There were no clown noses and no outlandish costumes, and if I understand the FBI this sure ain't Hee Haw. Nice try Not-So-Breitbart. Maybe you should stick a cork in it and lawyer up. Your little scamps on your payroll screwed up bigtime. The question is, which Dork will flip first. I say Flanagan, because this doesn't look too good in his Daddy's line of work. And Pimmpyboy is too full of his ultra-dorky self to blab. He's the mastermind. Add "bater" to that. Oh I can't wait for these tykes to be shipped off to the slammer. Don't forget your mudflaps kids

[PimpyboyOqueef]

I love this story mostly for the lame excuses the 24 and 25 years old toddlers are giving. Kids say the darndest things don't they. Somebody empty their diapers and let's get serious. There were no clown noses and no outlandish costumes, and if I understand the FBI this sure ain't Hee Haw. Nice try Not-So-Breitbart. Maybe you should stick a cork in it and lawyer up. Your little scamps on your payroll screwed up bigtime. The question is, which Dork will flip first. I say Flanagan, because this doesn't look too good in his Daddy's line of work. And Pimmpyboy is too full of his ultra-dorky self to blab. He's the mastermind. Add "bater" to that. Oh I can't wait for these tykes to be shipped off to the slammer. Don't forget your mudflaps kids

[x1947lr]

I have an apple in my kitchen that I bought last November for Thanksgiving stuffing. I have kept it out of curiosity because it still looks good and still smells okay. Would I eat if after so long? No way.
I also had a tomato which I had a few slices off of and sat in my refrigerator for about six weeks. It still looked okay as well but it never tasted like a real tomato in the first place and I tossed it.
Adventures in agriculture are not necessarily good for human beings just because they last longer.

I want to see the "health" standards of these new genetically produced fruits. They certainly do not taste the same as they used to before being altered and I seriously doubt if they are as good for us as they used to be.
There was a reason fruits and vegetables had a short shelf life . . . they were healthier for us. Who knows what has actually been engineered into our food these days?

[formrusmcsgt]

India, for example, loses almost 40 percent of its annual produce of fruits and vegetables to spoilage during transportation.
---
Now THAT'S efficiency for ya....

Sheesh.

[skeezix06]

I wonder if they last 45 days in your stomach? I am not interested in what they look like or how long they last on the shelf. I want to know what they taste like and if its safe to eat them.

Tomatoes today taste like wet cardboard and are about as appetizing.

[Skruffy1]

The flavor has been bred out of most commercially-grown tomatoes for a long time now. I can just imagine how little flavor they'll have after sitting in the supermarket for 45 days. Most agribusiness is breeding produce to have the wrong properties: looks and shelf life. Give me REAL food!!!

[pragmatist1]

Unfortunately, G-M food isn't required to be labeled as such. I think it's the same thing with irradiated meat. I feel the consumer should know either where the source of their food comes from or whether or not humans have tampered with the natural genetic structure. It's not normal for something as fragile as a tomato to last forty-five days. And, I'm old enough to remember when tomatoes were eaten like apples, were incredibly delicious and also only required salt and pepper. That ended decades ago.

[pragmatist1]

Unfortunately, G-M food isn't required to be labeled as such. I think it's the same thing with irradiated meat. I feel the consumer should know either where the source of their food comes from or whether or not humans have tampered with the natural genetic structure. It's not normal for something as fragile as a tomato to last forty-five days. And, I'm old enough to remember when tomatoes were eaten like apples, were incredibly delicious and also only required salt and pepper. That ended decades ago.

[superdem1]

I've been saying for years that tomatoes have been genetically altered - you simply cannot buy a good tomato in a store, and even if you grow your own, they are hard as rocks with no juice and no flavor. At least I can remember when tomatoes were so good you ate them like apples with a bit of salt and pepper - no more. I thought they had to advertise vegetables that have been modified ? I haven't had a decent tomato in years.

[FauxNews]

Yep, their first modification was to make thicker skins so they could ship them farther. I have the same memories as you. Unfortunately, our grandchildren will be able to play baseball with them.

[skeezix06]

I'm probably going to kick myself for saying this but if you grow your own, consider looking online for seed catalogues that sell what they call heritage vegetables.