Biotech Updates

Scientists Develop Technology to Prevent Wilting of Cut Flowers

June 1, 2016

Scientists are now working on a technology to delay wilting of roses, carnations, and petunias. This new technology involves temporary modification of specific plant genes through spraying of genetic molecules called RNA or feeding the molecules to their roots. The development of the technology started two years ago when Monsanto scientists used RNAi to hinder the ability of cut flowers to produce ethylene. The company is currently applying for patent for the technology and developing another gene spray to kill pests.

Read more from MIT Technology Review.