LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS: Arizona State Engineers New Plant

From TASERS to Jet Skis, Arizona has invented a lot of things. No one's quite sure why the Grand Canyon State has been a hub for innovation, but it continues to produce nonetheless.

Speaking of produce, a brand new fruit has just been developed in Arizona, and it may change our agriculture forever.

Genetically Engineering Plants

Over the years, our climate has changed to be more and more drastic, leading to issues in agricultural spaces. As such, scientists have been working around the clock to engineer plants that can survive in these harsh temperatures.

One such scientist is Changbin Chen. He began working on a new plant in Minnesota, that could withstand the state's harsh temperatures. In 2021, he transferred to Arizona, and became an associate professor at ASU, where his project took shape. This time, more focused on the arid desert climates of Arizona.

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To-may-to, To-mah-to

The project Chen has worked tirelessly on is nothing but a simple tomato. Nicknamed "Desert Dew", the plant is intended to withstand the harsh climates of Arizona's deserts. The tomato was genetically engineered to complete its maturity around three to four weeks prior to conventional tomatoes.

The plant is also incredibly compact, making it easier for home growers and indoor vertical farming, an absolute necessity in Arizona. The hope is that these tomatoes will be more efficient at self-pollination, which could singlehandedly revive the tomato industry in the Grand Canyon State, and across the globe.

[Produce Grower]