Genetically Modified Papayas Essay

Genetically modified Papayas started back in 1990 in Hawaii when the entire crop was infected with the ringspot virus, the entire papaya industry was in danger. More than 8 million papayas are sold globally and come from tropic and sub-tropic regions. Papayas are loved by many consumers, while others consider them to smell like feces and have a bitter taste. This paper will explain the importance of papayas, and why genetically modifying the papaya is worth all the controversy it have received over the years. I used several articles to compare my research with the story of DR. Gonslaves modified papaya, and will show cause as to why genetically modified papayas are important to the farmers, consumers, and to prevent many health diseases and conditions the U.S. suffers from.
Genetically Modified Papayas
Let’s begin by explaining the history of how papayas became bioengineered or as we say genetically modified. Back in the early 1990’s the papayas in Hawaii were being destroyed through the spread of the ringspot virus. Over fifty percent of the production of
The aphid spreads the PRSV when it feeds on the infected plant, and then spreads to uninfected plants. It does not pass from the fruit, and it’s offspring from infected plants are not contaminated with the virus. Ringspot virus causes the fruit to have rings-shaped spots on the fruits outer skin, and also causes coloration, and chlorosis on the leaves of the papaya plant. The petioles and upper trunk of the fruit may show streaks and distortion of leaves when infected. The virus also causes the plant to grow slowly, and may even stunt the growth of the plant; therefore, not allowing the fruit to fully mature. Now that we understand the ringspot virus and how it effects the plant, now we will see how the virus was prevented from completely destroying this crop