Recent Progress of Genetically-Modification in Floriculture

Abstract

Plant transformation technology (or genetic modification), along with breeding techniques such as cross-breeding and mutation breeding, has been widely used for breeding new varieties and enhancing the characteristics of floricultural plants. In particular, genetically modified (GM) floriculture has been developed for modified characteristics such as floral color, pigmentation, stress tolerance, disease resistance, and fragrance. In South Korea, studies on GM floriculture have been under progress since the 2000s, and there have been various research projects involving GM floriculture. In the global flower market, a mauve-colored carnation called “MoondustTM” was first developed and commercialized by the Australian biotechnology company Florigene, and a blue rose called “APPLAUSETM” was developed and commercialized by the Japanese company SUNTORY. Furthermore, new varieties of GM floriculture have recently been developed, and international trade in ornamental plant materials has grown. Given the rapid increase of studies on GM floriculture and the growing global market for GM ornamental plants, biotechnology may be used to increase farm household income by developing new ornamental varieties that have superior characteristics and match consumer preferences. In t his review, we summarize t he r esearch on G M ornamental plants during the last four years. This information will help in establishing more successful strategies for developing GM floriculture. Moreover, this report will facilitate the breeding of new and improved varieties with modified growth rates and superior product quality, including changes in flower color, fragrance, and stress tolerance.