Discover how genetically modified plants are transforming the world of gardening and agriculture, from prickle-free eggplants to bioluminescent petunias. Explore the exciting possibilities and potential challenges of this cutting-edge technology as it becomes available to consumers.
Taming the Thorns
Picture your favorite plants which happen to be getting rid of their spines and prickles so when you handle them you are much less prone to injury. Well, that is exactly what scientists have done by pinpointing the main gene behind prickliness in plants such as eggplants, roses and even some grasses.
Now, by applying a modern gene editing technology called CRISPR to this gene — scientists have successfully developed glabrous varieties for all the important traits of the original plants without undesired characteristics. Not only does this development increase the friendability of these plants, it also reduces lossage post-harvests so that they can be more easily utilized for both home gardens and large scale agriculture.
In the wild, the prickles are an excellent way to defend against browsing herbivores, but even in cultivated species with no bristles or hairs to challenge them, there is more still protection waiting beneath the skin. The enzyme appears to have evolved as the plant defending itself from being eaten — plants without this enzyme still clear up in response to an attacking pest — and the dandelions also retain other tools of chemical warfare, such as trichomes: short hairs filled with chemicals that turn off insect pests. Removing prickles just make these babies easier to manage for both us gardeners and farmers.
Glowing, fragrant and rainbow: the new age of GMO plants
Genetically engineered plants are no longer the exclusive preserve of industrial agriculture. With the advantages brought by DNA modification technologies, consumers can now access a broad range of tailor-made plant varieties directly.
A particularly captivating instance is the firefly petunia — it carries genes from the ghost ear mushroom that makes it is bioluminescent. What a garden must look like awakened to the golden illuminations of these flowers! In addition, scientists have engineered the popular indoor vine known as a pothos plant to promote flourishing air-filtering microbes that degrade noxious volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Other than looks, genetic modification can increase the nutritional value of foods. Scientists silenced the genes that make mustard greens taste bitter, creating a sweeter variety of the nutrient dense green. And here is how they did it: They completely silenced the genes that delay flowering in tomatoes in order to engineer compact plants ideal for urban agriculture.
Is it endless really? Theoretically we could see bioluminescent golf courses, houseplants that emit scents designed for relaxation or creativity and flowers that change colour in response to spray-based treatments. Like anything, the more accessible it becomes, people will constantly push the limits for everyone else and I imagine the world of GMO plants to be no different.
Conclusion
The presentation of genetically modified plants to the consumer market assumes an intriguing new chapter in both horticulture and agriculture. While they offer great promise, it is important that we deploy these innovations in a regulatory and procedural environment that allows them to benefit the consumer while reducing potential risks. And as this technology matures and becomes more accessible, it will be up to us to sort through the challenges — and welcome the tremendous potential genetically modified plants hold.
