Biotechnology in floriculture

Abstract

Genetic modification techniques are now well established in agriculture (Brooks and Barfoot, 2009; James, 2010). The same extensive commercial application of genetic modification has not been seen in horticulture and floriculture, with the exception of the development of cut flower crops modified for novel flower colour. In this paper a review is provided of the potential applications of genetic modification in floriculture, illustrated with the example of the production of delphinidin-related anthocyanins in flowers of transgenic carnation and rose. Possible reasons for the lack of commercialisation of transgenic floricultural species are discussed.