Create tomato varieties that ripen two weeks earlier.

The resulting tomatoes can be planted more times during the growing season and produce more fruit.

researchers Laboratorio Cold Spring Harbor, based in New York, CRISPR have used the technology to produce plants of cherry tomatoes and roma tomatoes that ripen two weeks faster than the current method.

From editing genes to modify the tomato gene that affects sensitivity daylength, the research group has created a tomato blooms and produces fruit earlier than other varieties.

The resulting tomatoes can be planted more times during the growing season and, This form, produce more fruit, It is according to a press release. The gene-edited this plant can be grown in more northern latitudes located.

This work is a compelling example of the potential of genetic edition with the aim of improving production traits in crop improvement, reports The Packer.

The researchers have filed a patent application for his work but says that this variety of tomato is commercially available. A research on the gene-released on the tomato plant was published in the journal Nature Genetics, the statement.

Professor Zachary Lippman, associate professor of laboratory, It stressed that this technology helps adapt varieties developed in other parts of the world where it is not possible.

Lippman says is a simple strategy to eliminate the sensitivity of daylight, which could allow farmers to expand the geographical map in their crops 'adapting' tomatoes or other crops to more northern latitudes, where summers are very long days and short growing seasons very.