A flower show in the United Kingdom will be giving DNA tests to tomatoes that are entered in a “biggest weight” contest that holds an even bigger award at the end. However, something like this always spawns some sort of cheating to get an edge. The Harrogate Autumn Flower Show responded to concerns of cheating in the Gigantomo class of tomatoes, announcing that the DNA of each plant will be tested to ensure that it has been grown properly and within the rules.
A reward of £1,000 will be given to the winner, and an additional £5,000 pounds will be awarded if it breaks the Guinness World Record of 7.7 pounds (3.5kg).
A reward of £1,000 will be given to the winner, and an additional £5,000 pounds will be awarded if it breaks the Guinness World Record of 7.7 pounds (3.5kg).
The director of the show, Nick Smith, told The Mirror that gigantic vegetable growing is popular and wanted to make sure it was fair for everybody: “‘When experienced growers contacted us to express concern about making sure that the new class for Gigantomo would feature only specimens from that variety, we set out to find a way of being as certain as we possibly can that the winner has the right pedigree.’” Other giant vegetable contests, including carrots, potatoes, and cabbage, will also be taking place.
