Bill Gates Funds Genetically Engineered Tomatoes with Insecticides Inside Them That Attack Reproduction—And Yes, You'd Eat Them

What are "transgenetic" plants?

Bill Gates is funding research to genetically engineer tomatoes to produce insecticides inside their tissues, specifically targeting the reproduction of whiteflies, a destructive agricultural pest. According to a study published last month in BMC Plant Biology, these genetically engineered (GE) tomatoes express proteins designed to infiltrate and disrupt whitefly eggs.

“The molecular tools for achieving both apoplastic and phloem-specific expression of insecticidal proteins are well developed,” the study explains, highlighting the advanced genetic strategies employed.

If commercialized, these “[t]ransgenic plants”—genetically engineered to include genes from other species—could introduce reproductive-disrupting insecticidal compounds into the human food chain.

Follow Jon Fleetwood: Instagram @realjonfleetwood / Twitter @JonMFleetwood / Facebook @realjonfleetwood

---

How It Works

The study outlines the mechanism of these GE tomatoes:

1. Chitinase Production: The tomatoes are engineered to produce an enzyme derived from the fern Tectaria macrodonta that degrades chitin, a key component of insect eggshells. This enzyme is intended to kill the developing embryos inside the eggs.

2. Reproductive Hijacking: Using synthetic vitellogenin domains (SynVg), the proteins mimic natural reproductive pathways in whiteflies, ensuring the insecticides are delivered directly into the eggs.

3. Enhanced Uptake: Protein transduction domains (PTD) facilitate the transport of these insecticidal compounds from the insect’s gut to its reproductive system.

“Phloem-localized expression of mCherry in companion cells could be monitored… where the overall total expression is minimized by using tissue-specific promoters,” the study notes, emphasizing the effort to direct these proteins to specific parts of the plant.

Why It Matters

While this technology purportedly aims to reduce pesticide use, the risks of embedding reproductive-disrupting insecticides in food crops are significant:

• Insecticides in Food: The proteins, intended to kill pests, could also be present in the tomatoes we eat. The study does not clarify whether these compounds are entirely excluded from edible plant tissues.

• Consumer Awareness: Without mandatory labeling, people could consume these insecticidal tomatoes without realizing what’s inside them.

• Effectiveness in Question: Whitefly eggs naturally produce enzymes to neutralize proteins. The study acknowledges this hurdle:

“Given the significant water uptake by the egg from the host plant, it is not surprising that proteolytic activity has evolved to protect the egg from this route of protein delivery, and choice of the protein to avoid that proteolysis would be a key component for that insecticidal strategy.”

• Unstudied Risks to Humans: The long-term effects of consuming reproductive-disrupting proteins are untested. The possibility of unintended impacts on human health or beneficial organisms cannot be dismissed.

The Gates Connection

The study was “supported, in whole or in part, by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation [OPP51589],” it reads. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has heavily funded genetic engineering projects like this, promoting them as solutions to global food insecurity. Critics argue these efforts prioritize corporate interests and technological control over consumer safety and environmental sustainability.

What the Study Fails to Address

• Human Health: There’s no evaluation of whether consuming these proteins poses risks to humans or how they might interact with human biology.

• Ecological Impact: The introduction of reproductive-disrupting proteins into ecosystems could harm non-target species, such as pollinators or organisms dependent on chitin-based structures.

• Consumer Transparency: Without clear labeling policies, consumers could unknowingly ingest these genetically modified crops.

The Bigger Picture

Embedding pest control directly into crops represents a seismic shift in agriculture. While proponents argue this reduces chemical pesticide use, the risks of disrupting reproduction in target species, harming non-target organisms, and exposing humans to novel proteins remain significant and largely unaddressed.

Takeaway

Tomatoes engineered with insecticides to disrupt reproduction may sound like a breakthrough, but they raise critical questions about safety, transparency, and the ethics of modifying food crops to attack life at its reproductive core. As these technologies develop, consumers have a right to know: Are these the risks we’re willing to take with our food?

Follow Jon Fleetwood: Instagram @realjonfleetwood / Twitter @JonMFleetwood / Facebook @realjonfleetwood

---