Monsanto Seeks to Keep Roses from Wilting

Fresh flowers in the local market may be about to get a bit fresher, thanks to a new patent Monsanto has applied for. The patent describes a plant food that uses genetic technology to keep certain flowers from wilting, according to a report in Technology Review.

Not GMO but RNA additive

The patent describes not a way to permanently changed a plant’s genome but instead the use of RNA to block the production of ethylene, which causes flowers to age.

The idea of adding RNA represents a vast new territory with many possibilities for new products. Technology Review reports that Monsanto has also been experimenting with ways to use gene sprays to attach and kill various insects.

Fresher flowers, lower carbon footprint

Currently, the fresh flower industry struggles to rush its product to market, relying on refrigeration, anti-aging gas, and various chemicals to keep flowers looking just picked. Monsanto’s new technology could bring major savings to the $20-billion global business of cut flowers, bulbs, and live plants, while also reducing the use of certain chemicals used to preserve flowers’ freshness. It could also lower the need for certain costly and polluting shipping methods.