These transgenic plums contain a gene that makes them resistant to plum pox virus. Photo by Scott Bauer, USDA Agricultural Research Service A genetically modified plum variety that’s resistant to plum pox virus could help protect the U.S. soft fruit industry against a major outbreak of the virus. Dr. Ralph Scorza, plant breeder at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s research lab at Kearneysville, West Virginia, developed the resistant variety, which is called Honeysweet, and is working towards gaining regulatory approval for it. Currently, the only genetically modified tree fruit planted anywhere in the world is papaya. Scorza submitted paperwork to the […]