Few people realize that, starting in the 1920s, scientists began to develop “superplants.” Unlike “natural” plants, these plants were developed to withstand pollution, drought, dirty soil and poor light. Superplants were first created with chemical changes in the plants, then with genetic changes. Some plants created this way include most new roses, the new elm, and some new cotton and corn species. Giant pumpkins, radishes, tomatoes, and strawberries are being developed now, as well as new violets and other flowers. These superplants were designed to thrive in home gardens and households, but the techniques have created plants that resist disease, require less special care, and more importantly, grow larger seeds and fruits on fewer nutrients and less water. So what began as an effort to make stronger houseplants may end up as a major way to increase the yields of farm and garden crops.