Gene-Editing Creates Unique Pumpkin Shapes
For hundreds of years the pumpkin has had a recognizable shape. Even though there are many varieties of pumpkins, they all have that unique shape—a pumpkin shape. Now, science has made it possible to change that shape. Using genetic engineering technology known as CRISPR gene-editing, Pumpkin Specialties, Inc. of Morton, Illinois has developed techniques that will allow them to precisely grow pumpkins to a defined configuration. In the near future, pumpkins may look very different and come in pyramid, conical, cylindrical, cubical, or even small stellated dodecahedron shapes. Besides the novelty of having pumpkins that aren’t shaped like pumpkins, there are many possibilities that extend the usefulness of pumpkins. First, stacking and storing pumpkins becomes much easier when they are cubical and have the same size. Retail stores can now place a large number of pumpkins on shelves instead of large bins on crowded floors. The various new shapes open new possibilities for unique and more scary Jack-O-Lantern creations. Several pumpkin chucking teams have already placed orders for pumpkins shaped like projectiles and even hollow-point pumpkins for more destruction. The National Organization of Americans Against Genetically Modified Organisms are currently protesting outside the company’s headquarters calling for the return of pumpkins to their intended purpose—to scare aware evil spirits. Pumpkin Specialties has also asked the public to vote on their favorite color for gene-edited pumpkins. So far, chartreuse is leading with 54% of the vote.