Skip to main content
AskIFAS Powered by EDIS

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: What the Future Could Hold for Bs2 Tomatoes

S. F. Hutton, J. W. Scott, J. B. Jones, R. E. Stall, G. E. Vallad, B. J. Staskawicz, and D. M. Horvath

Release Date: 11/19/2019

Reviewed At: 2/21/2024

DOI: 10.32473/edis-hs1259-2015

Agriculture

Abstract

Bs2 tomatoes are transgenic tomatoes that have been engineered to contain the Bs2 gene from pepper. As such, they are considered a genetically modified (GM) food, or a genetically modified organism (GMO). Numerous trials conducted by University of Florida researchers have shown the benefits of these cultivars for bacterial spot disease management, and growers and industry members recognize the potential for Bs2 tomatoes to make Florida tomato production more sustainable. This article discusses the benefits that might be realized by the adoption of Bs2 tomato varieties, and the challenges standing in the way of their commercial production.

About this Publication

This document is HS1259, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Extension. Original publication date January 2015. Revised October 2019. Visit the EDIS website at https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu for the currently supported version of this publication.

About the Authors

S. F. Hutton, assistant professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center; J.W. Scott, professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, GCREC; G. E. Vallad, associate professor, Horticultural Sciences Department, GCREC; J.B. Jones, professor, Plant Pathology Department; R. E. Stall, emeritus professor, Plant Pathology Department; B. J. Staskawicz, professor, Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA; and D. M. Horvath, Two Blades Foundation, Evanston, IL; UF/IFAS Extension, Gainesville, FL 32611.

How to Cite

Hutton, S. F., Scott, J. W., Jones, J. B., Stall, R. E., Vallad, G. E., Staskawicz, B. J., & Horvath, D. M. (2015). Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: What the Future Could Hold for Bs2 Tomatoes. EDIS, 2015(4), 4. https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-hs1259-2015

Authors

Samuel Hutton
Samuel Hutton

former associate professor, tomato breeding and genetics, Horticultural Sciences Department, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast REC, Wimauma, FL 

John (Jay) Scott
John (Jay) Scott
Specialist
View John (Jay) Scott's Profile
Jeffrey Jones
Jeffrey Jones
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, bacteriology, UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, Gainesville, FL

View Jeffrey Jones's Profile
Robert Stall
Robert Stall
Specialist
University of Florida

emeritus professor, UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, Gainesville FL 32611

View Robert Stall's Profile
Gary Vallad
Gary Vallad
Specialist
University of Florida

professor, disease diagnosis and management, Department of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, FL

View Gary Vallad's Profile

Contacts

Jessica Chitwood-Brown
Jessica Chitwood-Brown
Contact
Specialist
University of Florida

assistant professor, horticulture and tomato breeding, Department of Horticultural Sciences, UF/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, Wimauma, FL

View Jessica Chitwood-Brown's Profile

Publication #HS1259