What was the first marketed genetically selected crop?

The first marketed genetically selected crop was tomatoes. Genetically modified crops emerged in the late 20th century, and tomatoes were among the first to be commercially developed and sold. One of the most notable early successes was the Flavr Savr tomato, which gained approval from the FDA in 1994. This tomato was engineered to have a longer shelf life and improved taste, addressing some of the common issues associated with traditional tomatoes that often spoil quickly.

Understanding the significance of the Flavr Savr tomato helps illustrate the advancements in agricultural biotechnology and the ongoing efforts to enhance crop characteristics. This development laid the groundwork for further research and the eventual widespread adoption of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) across various crops, including corn, potatoes, and peppers. Each of these crops has seen genetic modifications since then, but the pioneering efforts with tomatoes positioned them as the first in this market.