Question: so do scientists genetically modify alot of fruits and veg?? such as strawberriers

Ben White answered on 23 Jun 2014:

Hi @atoniirose, there’s a lot of exciting work going on when it comes to researching the genomes and genetic modification of crops. We will have another 2 billion people that we need to feed in 2050, so it’s important that scientists research ways to improve the yield and nutrition of crops.

On our site here in Norwich, there’s a lot of work going on at the John Innes Centre into fruits and vegetables. Scientists here have grown potatoes that are resistant to blight (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-26189722), a disease which is thought to be responsible for the Irish potato famine. They’ve also grown purple tomatoes (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-25885756), these contain high levels of anthocyanins (this makes it purple) that are found at these levels in fruits like blueberries; they’re very good for you.

As for strawberries, there is a lot of research going on to find genes that makes them more disease and pest resistant. Scientists are also looking for ways to improve ripening times, so that strawberries and other berries don’t arrive overripe (squidgy and moldy) to shops.