August 26, 2002

Tomatoes richer in the antioxidant lycopene have been developed by ARS and Purdue University biotechnologists. A serving of one to two of the high-tech tomatoes provides the 10 milligrams of lycopene that some nutritionists recommend we consume daily. In contrast, about 10 or more conventional tomatoes are needed to provide this same quantity of lycopene.

Researchers found that genetically engineering tomatoes to boost levels of naturally occurring compounds called polyamines increased the tomatoes’ lycopene levels.

Their work, published in the June 2002 issue of Nature Biotechnology (vol. 20, no. 6, pp. 613-618), is the first to show a link between high levels of polyamines and enhanced lycopene content.

The researchers are seeking industry partners to commercialize the new tomatoes.

For more information, contact Autar K. Mattoo, (301) 504-7380, USDA-ARS Vegetable Laboratory, Beltsville, MD