A tomato by any other gene: Just as sweet? (+video)

New research shows that the bland flavor of a popular variety of firm tomatoes is caused by a genetic switch. Locating this switch may enable scientists to create good-tasting and good-shipping tomatoes in the future. ?

By Associated Press / June 28, 2012

This file photo shows tomatoes on a market table. New research shows that a popular variety of tomato is bland because of its genes.

AP Photo/Ronald Zak

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Using genetics, scientists have been able to dig up the dirt on why homegrown?tomatoes taste so much sweeter than the ones in the supermarket.

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Researchers found a genetic switch responsible for some of the sugar production within a?tomato. A new study in Friday's edition of Science found that the common type of?tomato?bred for firmness and good shipping also inadvertently turns off the sugar-producing switch. That makes it less sweet and blander than garden varieties.

University of California Davis plant scientist Ann Powell said knowing the genetics behind the sugar-making could lead someday to development of sweeter?tomatoes?that also travel well.

Source: http://rss.csmonitor.com/~r/feeds/science/~3/F3rkRmQNVFA/A-tomato-by-any-other-gene-Just-as-sweet-video

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