Researchers in Metapontum Agrobios, Italy have reported the results of their open field evaluation of ‘HighCaro’ (HC), a tomato carrying the transgene lycopene beta-cyclase (tLcy-b). The HC tomato has orange fruits due to the complete conversion of lycopene to b-carotene, a carotenoid. Carotenoids are popular organic color pigments that are often used as component of dietary supplements due to their pro Vitamin A activity.

The paper published by the journal Transgenic Research showed that agronomic performances and fruit quality of the HC line in the T6 generation were comparable with a parental line and a commercial variety, especially when the marketable yield parameter is considered.

The researchers also used quantitative real-time PCR analysis using HC fruits collected at four distinct development stages to determine transcriptional regulation of genes involved in carotene formation. Results showed that the transgene can maintain its activity even under field conditions. However, the total carotenoids were lower under high field temperature, a trend similar to what was observed in prior greenhouse studies.

Complete details on the study can be accessed by journal subscribers at
http://www.springerlink.com/content/u0740761j7683713/.