Which one of the following statements is not correct about “Flavr Savr

Which one of the following statements is not correct about “Flavr Savr” tomatoes ?

[amp_mcq option1=”It is genetically engineered” option2=”Its ripening process is slow” option3=”The fruit cannot be left on the plant for a long period” option4=”They have increased yield and better flavour” correct=”option3″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CAPF – 2009
The statement “The fruit cannot be left on the plant for a long period” is not correct about “Flavr Savr” tomatoes.
The Flavr Savr tomato was genetically engineered to slow down the ripening process by inhibiting the enzyme polygalacturonase. This characteristic allowed the tomato to stay on the vine longer, enabling it to develop more flavour before being harvested, and also extended its shelf life. Therefore, the fruit *could* be left on the plant for a longer period compared to conventional tomatoes picked green for transport.
A) It is genetically engineered: This is correct. Flavr Savr was the first commercially grown genetically engineered food.
B) Its ripening process is slow: This is correct. The genetic modification specifically targeted slowing down the ripening process.
D) They have increased yield and better flavour: The primary goal was better shelf life and allowing vine ripening for potentially better flavour. Increased yield was not a direct outcome of this specific modification. While allowing longer vine ripening might contribute to better flavour compared to artificially ripened tomatoes, claiming “increased yield and better flavour” as a definitive characteristic is debatable, but statement C is clearly and definitively incorrect based on the technology’s purpose.