Plants such as sunflowers can be genetically engineered to yield better oil, larger flowers, bigger seeds, etc. As usual, money is the impetus for innovation. Modern growers can maximize profits by growing crops hybridized for their customers' needs.
One common reason for genetically engineering plants is for disease resistance. Another reason is for aesthetics. The tomato for example has been engineered to have thicker skin (for shipping purposes), to be more resistant to diseases, and to be perfectly round and red. Many modern varieties have a lower acid content. Our grandmothers used to have to simmer sauce all day to sweeten up the tomatoes...it's not so necessary these days.
The common varieties of sunflower seeds available to home growers these days are genetically engineered to grow very tall. This is what consumers want. Some have said that sunflowers have been engineered to have such large flowers that the plant cannot support the weight of the flower.
A recent History Channel show commented that the corn we Americans grow today is nothing like the corn that the Pilgrims grew in early America. It used to be hard, small, and pale.
Good or bad, genetically engineered produce and plants is here to stay. Fortunately, there are seed preservationists out there.
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