GMOs genetically modified organisims

I have several lilac bushes in full bloom. I have a group that were planted 55 years ago by my mother; and a group that was planted less than 5 years ago. The newer ones range in color from all white (which smell completely different) to a pale purple. Since the newer ones bloom sooner I have been trying to feed the blooms to Titan for the past three weeks; and they have been totally ignored. But now that the old versions which are a much deeper purple and have a much more fragrant smell; are starting to bloom I decided to try again. Titan devoured them with relish. So tonight I offered two bunches; one of the older; one of the newer. Titan again devoured the older versions; and ignored the new ones. Faster blooming; faster growing; different colors; GMO are the result of cross breeding; and selection for new traits. But it seems we have lost something in their nature that makes them unappealing to tortoises. Opinions?

Interesting. I do find the older ones smell much better and the fragrance can be enjoyed from a further distance then the newer varieties.
Try the leaves of both and see if you get the same results.

Beautiful pictures! Do the butterflies and bees prefer one over the other?

I'm not a bit surprised. Many foods tasted better years ago before they used science to increase production.

The newer varieties are bred for specific traits like large flowers or pest resistance ... or even to be sterile so they don't set seeds.

It quite possibly impairs the flavour and sugar content of flowers and leaves in the process as the plants with the desired characteristics that are bred to create new varieties are actually the ones that don't taste so good.

GMO most frequently indicates an organism where an actual bit of genes are move directly from one organism to another against a natural trend that a virus or selective breeding might create. That is not 'as found in nature'.

Either way, selective breeding for some traits by default removes other traits, and tortoises may not see the color as you do, the newer lilacs may look the same to you but not the tortoise.

Tortoises senses have been in development for many millions of years and for their purposes are much more acute than out own.