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 GM 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 plant or via roots . The BioDirect programme uses genetic molecules called RNA to induce a temporary mutation with specific genes within the plants . The new development would prevent the production of ethylene which causes flowers to age and rot . The company has submitted a patent application for the technology , 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. The new development could prevent the production of ethylene which causes flowers to age and rot. The company has submitted a patent application for the process, which may also have applications in agriculture for developing bug killing sprays.