Commercialization of Genetically Modified Ornamental Plants

The ornamental industry encompasses cut flower, pot plant, turfgrass and nursery stock production and is an important part of the agricultural sector. As internationally traded commodities, cut flowers and plants are an integral part of the economy of a number of developing countries in South America, the Caribbean and Africa. Genetic modification (GM) is a tool with great potential to the ornamental horticulture industry. The rapid progress in our knowledge of plant molecular biology can accelerate the breeding ornamental plants using recombinant DNA technology techniques. Not only is there the possibility of creating new, novel products the driver of the industry but also the potential to develop varieties requiring less chemical and energy inputs. As an important non-food agricultural sector the use of genetically modified (GM) ornamental crops may also be ideal for the intensive farming necessary to generate pharmaceuticals and other useful products in GM plants. To date, there are only a few ornamental GM products in development and only one, a carnation genetically modified for flower colour, in the marketplace. International Flower Developments, a joint venture between Florigene Ltd. in Australia and Suntory Ltd. of Japan, developed the GM carnations. These flowers are currently on sale in USA, Japan and Australia. The research, development and commercialization of these products are summarized. The long term prospects for ornamental GM products, like food crops, will be determined by the regulatory environment, and the acceptance of GM products in the marketplace. These critical factors will be analysed in the context of the current legislative environment, and likely public and industry opinion towards ornamental genetically modified organisms (GMO's).