"UK: Technology could be used to produce "smell free" sprouts"

There are reports that the development of GM vegetables may be making a rather quirky turn. Scientists at the Rothamsted Research, in Harpenden, Herts, are developing technology that focuses on re-engineering the sulphurous chemistry of vegetables.

The plan is to enable the food to be broken down more easily in the stomach, so that it produces less methane - and, therefore, less flatulence in the consumer!

The researchers say, however, that ensuring the supply of foods is still top priority.

“Our priority at the moment is crop protection. Sustainable production of food is an important issue,” Prof John Pickett, who is leading the research, told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.

“But we could, nonetheless, if people wanted us to, divert that science and we could have this ‘smell free’ Brussels sprout. Of course it would be limited in the flavour that you would get from it.

“But on the other hand from the point of view of enjoying Christmas lunch, you could have this more, what shall we say, ‘inert’ Brussels sprout that might appeal to people.”

The science involves identifying the pheromones in chemical smells that can repel insect pests. In turn, it confuses the insects own sensory perceptions and protecting a crop without having to deal with pesticides.

Source: telegraph.co.uk