Regarding the story on GMO foods (Herald, Dec. 4), I wanted to point out that the statement that “plant geneticists crossed a fish with a tomato to create the Flavr Savr tomato” is factually flawed. The “Flavr Savr” tomato had nothing to do with fish genes; it was simply an attempt to shut off the plant’s production of the ripening hormone, ethylene. The idea was that tomatoes could be harvested green, and ripened prior to sale by exposing them to a perfectly normal plant hormone. The fact that “there was no flavor to save, so sales foundered,” has more to do with modern agricultural methods than genetic engineering. If you chose to avoid “genetically modified” food, fine! But at least be opposed to it for real reasons. Take into account that it significantly reduces pesticide and fuel use in the production of food crops in this country.
John Condie
Durango
