Yard and Garden Review

A rose gardener will generally shop for a rose plant with a specific genetic trait such as resistance to pests, adapability to temperature, size, bloom retention, etc, but the one trait that everyone savors in the perfect rose is the scent. Likewise, a garden vegetable with the most flavor is everyones favorite choice. Unfortunately, over the years as we have improved the genetic traits of plants, we have often sacrificed their smell or flavor. That may change due to a genetic find by the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences.

The University of Florida has discovered the genes that control the mixture of chemicals that make a flower’s scent or a vegetable’s flavor. This find will help researchers learn to control the levels of these compounds to adjust or increase a flower’s fragrance. The research will involve isolating the chain reaction in a plant that is responsible for producing scent without affecting the other traits of the flower.

This research has already produced some interesting information. The researchers have found that the gene which produces the compound giving rose oil its scent will also make tomatoes taste better, thus they are able to manipulate that gene to create more flavorful tomatoes. They are already working with plant breeders and specialists to get new tomatoes and roses on the market. This will only be the beginning.

As our senses are in tune to nature, we use them to evaluate and enjoy the plants around us. Now, the sense of smell and taste will become a greater part of that process. Imagine a trellis full of roses that fill the whole garden with their wonderful aroma, tantalizing your sense of smell as you walk by. What a wonderful idea!