Calgene emerged as a pioneering force in the late 20th century, marking a significant era in the development of biotechnology. Founded in California in the 1980s, the company focused its early efforts on the genetic modification of plants. Calgene aimed to introduce novel traits into crops, envisioning a future where agricultural products could be enhanced through scientific innovation. This pursuit positioned the company at the forefront of a nascent industry, dedicated to reshaping conventional farming practices with advanced genetic techniques.
Advancing Plant Biotechnology
Calgene’s scientific endeavors focused on agricultural improvement through genetic engineering. The company employed gene insertion and modification techniques to alter plant characteristics, aiming to develop crops with improved agricultural traits. One such development was bromoxynil-resistant cotton, marketed as BXN cotton, which was engineered to withstand specific herbicides, allowing for more targeted weed control with fewer chemical applications.
The company also focused on enhancing the nutritional aspects and commercial value of food products, such as developing high laurate canola. This modification of rapeseed plants aimed to produce oils with a greater percentage of lauric acid, a fatty acid desired for various food and industrial applications. Calgene’s approach involved precisely altering the genetic makeup of plants to achieve these desired outcomes.
The Flavr Savr Tomato
Calgene’s most recognized achievement was the Flavr Savr tomato. This genetically modified tomato was engineered to delay softening, allowing it to ripen longer on the vine for enhanced flavor while maintaining firmness during transport. The core of this modification involved antisense RNA technology, used to inhibit the production of the polygalacturonase (PG) enzyme.
Polygalacturonase is naturally responsible for breaking down pectin in tomato cell walls, leading to softening. By introducing a reversed antisense PG gene, Calgene scientists were able to significantly reduce PG activity to less than one percent of normal levels, slowing the ripening process. The Flavr Savr tomato, which also contained a kanamycin-resistance gene as a selectable marker, became the first commercially approved genetically engineered whole food for human consumption in 1994.
Despite its technological breakthrough, the Flavr Savr tomato faced challenges. High production costs and Calgene’s inexperience with fresh produce distribution contributed to financial difficulties. Public reception also faced scrutiny and opposition due to concerns about genetically modified foods.
Influence and Company Evolution
Calgene’s ventures, particularly with the Flavr Savr tomato, influenced the nascent biotechnology industry and public discourse surrounding genetically modified organisms. The company’s pioneering efforts paved the way for future agricultural biotech developments by demonstrating the feasibility of altering crops for specific benefits. This work also contributed to ongoing debates regarding food safety, environmental impacts, and the regulation of GMOs.
The challenges faced by the Flavr Savr tomato highlighted the complexities of introducing genetically engineered products to the consumer market, beyond scientific development. Ultimately, Calgene’s financial struggles led to its acquisition by Monsanto. Monsanto initially purchased a significant stake in Calgene in 1995, and then fully acquired the company in 1997 for approximately $240 million.
This acquisition marked a turning point for Calgene, as its innovations were absorbed into a larger agricultural corporation. The integration of Calgene’s research, including its work on modified oils, produce, and cotton, further expanded Monsanto’s biotechnology portfolio. While the Flavr Savr tomato was eventually discontinued, Calgene’s early contributions left an enduring mark on agricultural biotechnology.