Futures

Local Fan Creates Tomacco Plant in Oregon Inspired by The Simpsons, (from page 20230723.)

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Summary

In October 2003, a fan of The Simpsons announced the successful creation of ‘Tomacco,’ a hybrid plant combining tomato and tobacco. Inspired by an episode where Homer Simpson grows Tomacco after exposing seeds to plutonium, the fan grafted tomato tops onto tobacco roots, resulting in a plant that may contain nicotine in its fruit. The plant was grown in Lake Oswego, Oregon, and the fan mentioned that the fruit had reached 1.7 inches in diameter and was red. They expressed caution about tasting the fruit due to the potential toxicity of nicotine, which has a fatal dose of 50 to 60 milligrams, and planned to have the fruit tested for nicotine content at a local lab. This endeavor highlighted a unique connection between the city and the popular animated series.

Signals

name description change 10-year driving-force relevancy
Tomacco Cultivation A fan has successfully grafted tomato and tobacco plants to create Tomacco. From fictional concept in The Simpsons to real-life cultivation of Tomacco by a fan. Tomacco or similar hybrid plants might gain popularity in niche markets or as novelty items. Interest in hybrid plants and unique agricultural experiments among fans and botanists. 3
Fan Engagement with Fictional Concepts Fans are actively bringing fictional ideas to life, showcasing creativity and engagement. From passive consumption of media to active participation and creation inspired by fiction. Increased trend of fans creating real-life versions of fictional concepts across various media. Growing maker culture and DIY ethos among fans of popular media. 4
Nicotine Testing in Novel Plants Plans to test Tomacco for nicotine content highlight interest in plant-based products and their effects. From casual gardening to scientific exploration of hybrid plants for their chemical properties. Potential development of new nicotine-based products or research into hybrid plant benefits. Rising interest in plant-based substances and their applications in health and wellness. 4

Concerns

name description relevancy
Safety of Tomacco Consumption The creation of Tomacco introduces potential safety risks due to nicotine presence, which can be harmful or fatal if consumed. 5
Genetic Modification Risks Grafting different plant species raises concerns about ecological impact and potential unforeseen effects on health and biodiversity. 4
Addictive Nature of Tomacco The addictive qualities of nicotine in the Tomacco fruit could lead to increased health issues related to addiction. 5
Regulation of Novel Food Products The emergence of products like Tomacco may highlight gaps in food safety regulations concerning genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 4
Public Perception and Awareness There may be a lack of public understanding regarding the safety and health implications of consuming genetically modified plants like Tomacco. 3

Behaviors

name description relevancy
DIY Grafting of Plants Individuals experimenting with grafting techniques to create hybrid plants, as seen in the creation of Tomacco. 4
Science in Pop Culture Fans of pop culture, like The Simpsons, engaging in real-world scientific experiments inspired by fictional stories. 5
Local Community Engagement Local individuals connecting their hobbies and interests to community narratives, exemplified by the author’s connection to Portland and The Simpsons. 3
Experimental Agriculture People conducting personal agricultural experiments that challenge traditional methods, such as growing nicotine-containing tomatoes. 4
Public Experimentation and Testing Individuals seeking to have their experimental products tested by local labs, highlighting a trend of public validation of personal projects. 4

Technologies

description relevancy src
A hybrid plant created by grafting tomato tops to tobacco roots, producing tomatoes with nicotine content. 4 8bd0ff91f441280f0da2731c54a3b7e0
Innovative methods for combining different plant species to create new hybrid varieties with unique characteristics. 3 8bd0ff91f441280f0da2731c54a3b7e0

Issues

name description relevancy
Tomacco Cultivation The practice of grafting tobacco roots to tomato plants to produce nicotine-laden tomatoes, raising health and ethical concerns. 4
Addiction Potential of Food Products The creation of food items that are addictive could lead to public health issues and regulatory scrutiny in food safety. 5
Genetic Modification and Bioethics The method of altering plant genetics through grafting raises questions about bioethics and genetic manipulation in agriculture. 4
Public Awareness of Nicotine in Food The potential presence of nicotine in widely consumed foods could lead to public health campaigns and consumer awareness initiatives. 3
Impact of Media on Consumer Behavior The influence of popular media, like The Simpsons, on experimental food practices may encourage similar behaviors among fans and the public. 3