Researchers from Ryukoku University and Osaka Metropolitan University in Japan have made a significant breakthrough in GM agriculture, growing eggplants with a high beta-carotene content using artificial lighting. This breakthrough is particularly relevant for India and other South and Southeast Asian nations, where eggplant is an essential component of the local diet but contains low levels of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene.
The research team introduced the PSY gene from the bacterium Erwinia uredovora into the eggplant, which led to a significant accumulation of beta-carotene. Analyses showed that the genetically modified eggplants grown under artificial light had five times more beta-carotene content than eggplants grown in conventional greenhouses. However, the eggplants were smaller in size. This suggests that the accumulation of beta-carotene could inhibit fruit development.
This study provides valuable information for the future development of transgenic eggplant varieties enriched with beta-carotene to improve the nutritional value of this staple food in regions where its consumption is abundant.
Source: agrodigital.com