Scientists have discovered a gene that makes corn resistant to certain damaging insects. Carolina cotton producers have reduced pesticide sprays and lowered production costs by utilizing genetically engineered cotton varieties. Genes that can make crops resistant to specific herbicides have been identified. Of particular interest are the genes that make plants resistant to Roundup, an effective and environmentally friendly herbicide. By incorporating the herbicide-resistant genes into the DNA of the crop, farmers can keep weeds down with an environmentally safe herbicide without injuring the crop.
Research is currently underway to incorporate resistance to other effective and safe herbicides.
Thanks to genetic engineering, North Carolina soybeans can now be sprayed with Roundup, making weed control easier, less expensive, and safer for the environment. Genetic engineering can also be used to turn genes on or off. The Flavr-Savr tomato, one of the first genetically engineered foods to hit the market, is a good example. The enzyme naturally produced by the tomato that generates an off flavor and mushy texture was turned off. The result is a vine-ripened tomato that can be shipped with minimal bruising and spoilage.