Agroaldea
In the creation of this super tomato, more than 300 Researchers from various countries.
After being developed in the United Kingdom, Large -scale production is already underway in Canada and the first 1.200 Liters of purple tomato juice are ready to be sent back to the country.The new tomato has been the result of the work of 300 scientists from a dozen countries, coordinated by the John Innes Center in Norwich, where most of the investigation has been carried out. European restrictions on the cultivation of transgenics forced the transfer of the first experimental crops to the Ontario region, In Canada.
The creation process was to introduce two genes to the plant of the plant known as the mouth of Dragon to the conventional tomato, very common in the stony and rocky areas of the Mediterranean. This plant is especially rich in anthocyanins, a beneficial antioxidant in cancer prevention and also present in forest fruits such as blueberries and blackberries.
Although the tomato has all the necessary genes to generate those antioxidants, They are inactive. Thanks to this modification, that triggers a process within the plant, They have managed to develop anthocyanin. Normally the population diet does not contain sufficient intake of this component, So foods as common as tomato will try to replace that lack.
In a greenhouse of 500 square meters, The New Energy Farm firm made the first harvest last year, that did not disappoint expectations and turned out to be more "tasty and nutritious" than conventional ones. Most of the fruits have now been used for the elaboration of the juice that will reach Britain to verify its nutritional value.
Professor Cathie Martin explained that “In these purple tomatoes you can find the same compounds that are present in the blueberries. These components can be included in reasonably accessible foods that people consume in significant amounts”.
Now the goal is to make a wide range of tests to juice, including an exam to check if anthocyanin has positive effects on the health of humans. Previous studies have revealed different benefits, Among those who are their anti -inflammatory powers and the delay of cancer in mice.
The key question is whether a genetically modified product, although he may have health benefits, will be accepted by public opinion, Every day more skeptical of food manipulation. A survey conducted in the European Union in 2010 He revealed that for each supporter of genetic engineering there were three detractors. The last approval for a crop of transgenic foods in the EU occurred in 1998.
However, JOHN INNES Center researchers believe that purple tomato can help "a more positive perception" of transgenics, perceived so far as a threat to health and the environment. Tomato with antioxidants could serve as an advance for a new generation of genetically modified crops to enhance their health benefits.
Professor Nick Pidgeon, An environmental psychologist at the University of Cardiff, He has conducted opinion surveys about transgenics and other technologies.
In your opinion, There is a legacy of distrust -from crazy cows disease- that causes permanent concern.
“People are still worried that this is technology that interferes natural systems and that large corporations have control over technology. At the end of the day, You eat it and your children ", Highlights Pidgeon.
“Change that vision will take a long time. Will require good regulation and the ability to manage technology in a safe way. And this does not happen overnight”, declared Pidgeon.
On the other hand, The researcher Cathie Martin acknowledges that a "change of mentality" is needed to move from the frontal rejection of transgenic foods -also by control of seeds by a handful of multinationals- to the recognition that they can be "not only safe but beneficial for human health".
In any case, Marketing would be more feasible in North America, where it is estimated that purple tomato could reach supermarkets in a couple of years.