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| Blue Gene Technology | |
According to CRI online (China Radio International), Suntory, a major Japanese brewer has created the world’s first blue rose by implanting the gene that leads to the synthesis of blue pigment in Viola, after 14 years of research. Since 1990, Suntory is affiliated with Florigene Ltd. of Australia, which is the main research base for this so-called ‘molecular breeding’. The colour of the new rose comes entirely from the pigment Delphinidin which does not exist in natural roses. Suntory has spent nearly US$28 million to create blue roses, blue carnations and other genetically modified blue flowers. Colours in the blue range (mauve-blue-purple) are almost non-existent due to the lack of the blue gene in many popular flower species, for example, roses, carnations, gerberas and chrysanthemums. At least two and a half years are needed for testing and inspection before genetically modified plants are deemed safe to breed. The company hopes it can hit markets within four years. Using this same technology, in 1991 Florigene succeeded in isolating the Blue Gene (from the Viola flower) and patents were filed in all major countries in 1992. In 1994, the Company succeeded in implanting the Blue Gene into carnations and were able to generate the first carnation to express colour in the blue range, introducing the variety Florigene Moondust™ (mauve) to the market in 1996, followed by Florigene Moonshadow™ (rich purple colour) in 1997. The Moon series of carnations are unique in their flower colour and long-vase-life. The main markets for these products are outside Europe in Australia, USA and Canada. The European retail sector, especially the volume retailers have expressed a keen resistance to GM flowers. Suntory is famous for its Surfina Petunia. Online information claims that currently 120 million plants of Sufina are being grown in 24 countries around the world. “FlowerTech” www.Hortiworld.com For further general information contact Florigene Ltd, www.florigene.com.au www.japantoday.com/e/?content=news&cat=1&id=303997 E-mail: forigene@florigene.com.au Research enquires, E-mail: jmason@florigene.com.au, Sales enquiries: sales@florigene.com.au and moonshadow@florigene.com.au, Regulatory information: schandler@florigene.com.au |
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