are not all tomatoes gentically modified - ?

Answer 1

No, of course not. "Genetically modified" means that scientists go in the DNA and implant genes from, say, lightning bugs to make the tomatoes glow at night. Genetically modified means that DNA is directly changed (not the usual form of reproduction for a plant!)

Now, most tomatoes are some kind of hybrids. That just means that the tomatoes were cross-pollinated with other types of tomatoes to produce specific desirable characteristics (hybridization might take several crosses over a number of generations.) "Heirloom" tomatoes are usually much less hybridized--that is, they're old-fashioned and don't have the characteristics of many newer varieties.

Answer 2

ESweetPea has fallen victim to the notion that "genetic modification" somehow involves labs. ALL farmed vegetables have been genetically modified by selective breeding and cross-breeding. You will not find a King Edwards potato growing wild anywhere, neither will you find a natural wild carrot that is pointy and orange.

So yes, all tomatoes are genetically modified to some degree. They belong in South America, and would never grow in Halifax or Brixton or Paris or Stuttgart without some genetic "fiddling" whether done by a very patient gardener or an impatient lab-worker...

Answer 3

No. There are some varieties called heirloom tomatoes that are original seed stock. They are easily found to grow, but to find them already produced and ready to buy is a bit more difficult. Farmer's Markets or organic, health food stores are your best bet. But most tomatoes purchased at the store are genetically modified for disease resistance and hardiness.

Answer 4

Practically NO genetically modified tomatos (or tomatoes, if you prefer) not actually none, are sold in consumer commerce today, after the effort a couple of years ago to market the "Flav-R-Savr" was a commercial flop.

However, most tomatos, including heirloom varieties, are hybrids.
("Hybridization" and "genetically modified" are not synonyms).

Hybrids developed for colour, lack of scarring, mechanical picking and shelf life generally tasted like cardboard. Believe it or not, some of the newer ones actually almost - almost! - taste good
(eg: what is sold under the "Savoura" brand).

Answer 5

If you want UN altered tomatoes buy heirloom varieties.Modern day tomatoes are altered to produce more disease resistance and different growing habits.You are best off to grow your own.Go to seedsavers.com its a great site for tomatoes!!

Answer 6

everything you eat has been modified through seed selection and cross breeding, so I don;t get the big deal

Answer 7

No, some are old-fashioned, but just a few of them and are hard to find

Answer 8

I'm not sure but seedless grapes must be?