Thankfully, Gonsalves, a Hawaiian-born scientist at Cornell University, developed a genetically modified papaya, known as the Rainbow papaya, designed to be resistant to the virus. Gonsalves and his team planted a trial of the Rainbow papaya on the island of Puna.

Learn how GMO papaya is resistant to the ringspot virus and why it now accounts for 90% of papaya production in this article by SAIFood.

Jun 9, 2022 · Although researchers had identified the genomic sequence of SunUp by 2008, it was unclear where the transgenic insertions were and what effect they had. A new study has identified these changes and how they influence the plants.

May 16, 2024 · Genetically modified papayas were developed to be resistant to the papaya ringspot virus, which can be devastating to crops of the plant. They have been developed, and, at the time of this writing are available in a variety of countries.

A prime example of GMO success is the genetically engineered rainbow papaya variety now grown in Hawaii. Dr. Dennis Gonsalves, the father of the transgenic papaya, shared his story during the 2015 Western Plant Heath Association annual meeting in Maui, Hawaii in October.

Below I will explore the background behind papayas' genetic modification and how we can use genetic modification to improve papaya's commercial value. Papayas' scientific name: Carica papaya. GM TECHNIQUE: DNA from the ring spot virus that affects papayas is incorporated into the DNA of papayas so that they become resistant to the virus. PROS:

Jan 21, 2016 · A tiny insect culprit -- the aphid -- endangered the crop, but scientific advances set the stage for the "SunUp" and "Rainbow" papayas, named for their skin color, to become the first commercialized GM fruits in the United States.

Biotechnology, along with the groundbreaking innovation of genetically modified (GM) papaya varieties, particularly Rainbow and SunUp, soon emerged as a light at the end of the tunnel, changing the trajectory of papaya farming in Hawaii.

Sep 12, 2022 · Is GMO papaya healthy? Genetically modified papaya produce the coat protein because they contain a gene taken from the virus. Transgenes themselves are made out of DNA (which is found in all living cells), and are therefore designated by the FDA as Generally Recognized as Safe, or GRAS.

Jan 23, 2015 · Following safety trials the GM papaya was quickly cleared by regulators and seeds provided to Hawaiian growers at cost and without patent or other costly restrictions. This prompt action saved the industry and today a majority of Hawaiian papaya, including most of the fruits imported into the United States and Canada from the islands, is ...