Blue roses, between beauty and genetic engineering

Blue roses

All the blue roses They are striking and romantic, until not long ago natural white roses subjected to a special dyeing. However, after many years of stealing color, genetic engineering wanted to design roses blue and this is how he created the Blue Moon, a variety that arouses interest due to its striking color.

Although at first an attempt was made to obtain blue roses naturally, this was not possible because the gene for blue pigments could not be incorporated in the classical methods. This is how in 2004 the scientists of the moment bet on the genetic engineering to design this variety of rose. The result was the blue rose o Blue moon, a rose that contains the blue pigment and therefore has a color between blue and purple.

However, achieving this variety was not an easy task. The Australian company FLORIGENE worked together with the Japanese company SUNTORY from the cloning of the gene for an enzyme that was later introduced to a variety of rose, Cardinal de Richelieu. The result was a dark burgundy rose as the pink pigment was still present. The technique improved over the years and that is how the gene for the synthesis of delphinidin, which was concerned with canceling the expression of the gene for red pigments. These genetic modifications improved the possibilities and this is how the research gave rise to new hope and new companies joined the game.

But we come to the present and blue roses they are still a laboratory matter. Much has been said about them but the truth is that they do not exist in nature and it is only possible to obtain them artificially and, if necessary, at astral prices. Are the efforts worth it considering the high costs involved in genetic engineering?

Reality indicates that so far blue roses are an exoticism and have not managed to penetrate the traditional market. We must settle for petunias or other specimens, just as beautiful but less conflictive. If we think about it, perhaps that is the real mission of these beautiful flowers, to stay in the shadows, between mystery and romanticism to, somehow, remind us that despite attempts, nature insists on not allowing itself to be manipulated. .

More information - Tips for taking care of your roses and rose bushes

Source - Economy & Nurseries

Photo – Layoutsparks.com


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