What is your method of making watermelons seedless? Why are they light pink instead of bright red? I understand you food is more durable but it doesnt have much flavor. All those sprays get absorbed and alter the flavor. Another reason GMOS are unappealing.

Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Friday, 24/07/2015 10:05

You might be surprised by this, but seedless watermelons aren’t GMOs – they’re hybrids. They are made by crossing two different varieties of watermelon.

Seedless watermelons are just one of many types of watermelons grown around the world. In fact, there are more than 300 watermelon varieties cultivated in the United States and South American alone, and they can vary in characteristics, including the amount of seeds they contain or in color. Click to Tweet

You can learn more about seedless watermelons from the National Watermelon Association.

There are only ten agricultural crops currently commercially available as GM varieties in the U.S., including corn (field and sweet), papaya, canola, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, summer squash, as well as apples and potatoes, which are approved to be grown but not yet available in stores.

You mention taste in your question, as well. Plant breeders develop plants with many desirable characteristics, and flavor is one that can be improved using genetics. Dr. Kevin Folta from the University of Florida discusses flavor and taste in tomatoes in this response.

You also mention sprays used on watermelons. Production practices can vary even within the same crop growing on the same farm, depending upon the characteristics of each farm field. Regardless of whether a watermelon (or other crop) is grown using organic, conventional or biotech methods, farmers must follow federal and state regulations when applying pesticides and fertilizers to crops. This includes when pesticides can be sprayed on a crop, including how close to harvest or when edible fruit are present on the plant.

If you have any additional questions, please ask.

Expert response from Community Manager

Moderator for GMOAnswers.com

Friday, 24/07/2015 10:05

You might be surprised by this, but seedless watermelons aren’t GMOs – they’re hybrids. They are made by crossing two different varieties of watermelon.

Seedless watermelons are just one of many types of watermelons grown around the world. In fact, there are more than 300 watermelon varieties cultivated in the United States and South American alone, and they can vary in characteristics, including the amount of seeds they contain or in color. Click to Tweet

You can learn more about seedless watermelons from the National Watermelon Association.

There are only ten agricultural crops currently commercially available as GM varieties in the U.S., including corn (field and sweet), papaya, canola, cotton, alfalfa, sugar beets, summer squash, as well as apples and potatoes, which are approved to be grown but not yet available in stores.

You mention taste in your question, as well. Plant breeders develop plants with many desirable characteristics, and flavor is one that can be improved using genetics. Dr. Kevin Folta from the University of Florida discusses flavor and taste in tomatoes in this response.

You also mention sprays used on watermelons. Production practices can vary even within the same crop growing on the same farm, depending upon the characteristics of each farm field. Regardless of whether a watermelon (or other crop) is grown using organic, conventional or biotech methods, farmers must follow federal and state regulations when applying pesticides and fertilizers to crops. This includes when pesticides can be sprayed on a crop, including how close to harvest or when edible fruit are present on the plant.

If you have any additional questions, please ask.