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AUS - GM ROSE COMMERCIALISED
Source: http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir090
Australia’s most recent commercial GM commodity approved by the Gene Technology Regulator is a rose line genetically modified (GM) for altered flower colour. The rose has been developed by Florigene Pty Ltd, the company which also developed the GM colour-modified carnations available commercially in a number of countries around the world, including Australia.
The GM rose line contains two genes, derived from the plants viola and torenia, that have been shown to alter flower colour from pink to purple/blue. The same or similar genes are naturally widespread in the environment and are responsible for the production of delphinidin, a blue pigment found in a range of edible plants including blueberries and blackcurrants. The nature of the genetic modification means that pollen produced by the flowers does not contain any of the introduced genes.
The commercial release approval will see the ongoing commercial propagation of parent plants and the growing of plants for cut-flowers. Florigene intends to grow GM rose plants and handle their products (ie cut-flowers) in the same manner as non-GM rose plants. Flowers that are produced will be sold through normal commercial distribution channels to the public, Australia-wide.
The rose joins carnations, cotton and canola as GM commodities grown in Australia.
For further information:
http://www.ogtr.gov.au/internet/ogtr/publishing.nsf/Content/dir090
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