Scientists Engineer World's First Popcorn-Scented Tomatoes
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Chinese Scientists Create 'Buttered Popcorn' Scented Tomatoes Using Gene Editing
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News18•24-02-2026, 18:30
Chinese Scientists Create 'Buttered Popcorn' Scented Tomatoes Using Gene Editing
•Chinese scientists have developed the world's first gene-edited tomatoes that emit a 'buttered popcorn' aroma.
•The research aims to restore the lost aroma and flavor of tomatoes, which diminish during transport and storage.
•Using CRISPR/Cas9 technology, scientists modified the BADH2 gene, increasing the 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) compound responsible for the popcorn-like scent.
•The gene-edited tomatoes maintained normal plant height, flowering time, fruit weight, and nutrient levels like Vitamin C, glucose, fructose, and organic acids.
•The next step is to incorporate this aroma into commercially grown varieties, potentially increasing market demand and benefiting consumers, farmers, and vendors.
