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Surprising Science

Heirloom Hybrids

Plant breeders are offering hybrid heirloom tomatoes this year that they claim “have the distinct flavors and funky looks of heirlooms but are more disease-resistant and abundantly productive.”

A number of plant breeders are offering hybrid heirloom tomatoes this year that they claim “have the distinct flavors and funky looks of heirlooms but are more disease-resistant and abundantly productive.” Tomato purists may cringe, but some of the new varieties “are bred to better withstand diseases and microscopic critters that can harm plants.”


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