Abstract
Developing new ornamental cultivars with improved floral attributes is a major goal in floriculture. Biotechnological approach together with classical breeding methods has been used to modify floral color, appearance as well as for increasing disease resistance. Transgenic strategies possess immense potential to produce novel flower phenotypes that are not found in nature. Adoption of Genetic engineering has supported the idea of floral trait modification. Ornamental plant attributes like floral color, fragrance, disease resistance, and vase life can be improved by means of genetic manipulation. Therefore, we witness transgenic plant varieties of high aesthetic and commercial value. This review focuses on biotechnological advancements in manipulating key floral traits that contribute in development of diverse ornamental plant lines. Data clearly reveals that regulation of biosynthetic pathways related to characteristics like pigment production, flower morphology and fragrance is both possible and predictable. In spite of their great significance, small number of genetically engineered varieties of ornamental plants has been field tested. Today, novel flower colors production is regarded as chief commercial benefit obtained from transgenic plants. But certain other floral traits are much more important and have high commercial potential. Other than achievements such as novel architecture, modified flower color, etc., very few reports are available regarding successful transformation of other valuable horticultural characteristics. Our review also summarized biotechnological efforts related to enhancement of fragrance and induction of early flowering along with changes in floral anatomy and morphology.
Highlights
Horticultural industry has been revolutionized due to contribution by ornamental plants
It has been found that over-expression of voila gene F3′5′H resulted in high delphinidin accumulation and production of blue flower color (Ogata et al, 2005; Katsumoto et al, 2007)
In ornamental plants, attributes like environmental stress tolerance, disease resistance can be retained in transgenic cultivars coupled with improved product range
Summary
Horticultural industry has been revolutionized due to contribution by ornamental plants. Plant characteristics like floral architecture, color, fragrance, resistance to abiotic stress and post-harvest life can be addressed through GE. This century is considered as the era of bio-economy lead by bioscience and biotechnology. Transgenic ornamental plants may become prospective benefit to growers and consumers due to their changed floral appearance, novel colors and improved fragrance (Chandler and Sanchez, 2012). Instead of their immense value, small number of GM ornamental plant varieties have been field tested and released. We have tried to point out developments and requisite attention for far reaching benefits for sustainability of technology and society
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
