Hilary Rogers at the Cardiff University says that this technology, assuming it works, will become a necessity in the industry, addressing the main problem the flower is a “very perishable crop.” Monsanto is working on a form of temporary genetic modification (GM) that could see the life of cut flowers extended. Many critics of the flower industry cite the short life-span of bouquets as one of the sector’s high environmental costs. The new process is part of Monsanto’s wider efforts to create a form of GM that can be applied through a spray or via roots. The BioDirect programme uses genetic molecules called RNA to cause a temporary interference with specific genes within the plants. Advertisement The company has submitted a patent application for the process, which may also have applications in agriculture for developing bug killing sprays.
Monsanto is working on a form of temporary genetic modification (GM) that could see the life of cut flowers extended. Many critics of the flower industry cite the short life-span of bouquets as one of the sector’s high environmental costs. The new process is part of Monsanto’s wider efforts to create a form of GM that can be applied through a spray or via roots. The BioDirect programme uses genetic molecules called RNA to cause a temporary interference with specific genes within the plants. Advertisement The company has submitted a patent application for the process, which may also have applications in agriculture for developing bug killing sprays.