Japan: Blue roses through gene technology
(04.11.2009) Since the beginning of November, the
world’s first blue rose has been on the market in Japan. With the aid of gene
technology, the rose has been modified to produce a blue colour in blossoms.
Demand for the rose is expected primarily in Asia.
A blue rose long has been regarded as the holy Grail of
flower breeding. Despite intensive efforts, conventional breeding has failed for
centuries to produce a blue flower of this type. In roses and related plants,
the metabolic pathways have lacked that could lead to the production of blue
buds. The application of gene technology has made it possible for the first time
to broaden the ‘natural’ colour spectrum of roses.
Australian flower breeding company Florigene, which is a
subsidiary of the Japanese Suntory firm for mixing technology and biotechnology.
Nonetheless, even with the aid of gene technology, the blue rose remains a
difficult goal.
First, the already-existing metabolic pathways for the
production of red and orange pigments must be shut down. In order to do so, the
relevant key genes are blocked in a process known as  gene silencing.
Scientists subsequently inserted a special pansy gene
through which a new, appropriate metabolic pathway was established in the rose
towards the production of blue pigment. The blue colour itself is derived from
an iris gene that also was transferred to the rose plant. The development of
this blue rose has taken almost twenty years.
A single Applause rose is expected to cost between two
and three thousand yen, i.e. roughly fifteen to twenty euros. Despite this high
price, great demand is expected primarily in Asia. In reference to a traditional
Chinese fairytale, blue roses are regarded throughout the region as a symbol of
love fulfilled. It already is common to present blue-dyed white roses at an
event such as a wedding or the celebration of an anniversary.
In order to be marketed in Europe, the genetically
modified Applause roses must be approved according to the legal regulations on
gene technology. To date, the responsible bureau has received no such
application. Genetically modified carnations that stay fresh longer or that
display a blue colour derived from a petunia gene have been approved in Europe
for years. These flowers also were developed by Florigene.
See also on GMO Compass:
Further information:
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