GMO's in Floriculture

Well, this week we are venturing into the "hot button" topic of genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  The technology for genetic engineering is developing in leaps and bounds.  In fact, how rapidly it is developing completely blind sided us.  So we thought a little bit of a discussion about GMOs in the floriculture industry was in order.  You can already buy genetically engineered carnations (Moon Series) and a genetically engineered rose (Applause).  In this episode we explain (very briefly) some of the technologies, and discuss implications, and our opinions of course;) We looked at a lot of papers and articles- some of the best are listed below- warning some of what you may read may seriously upset you.  Baranski, R. , Magdalena Klimek-Chodacka, Aneta Lukasiewicz. 2019. Approved genetically modified (GM) horticultural plants: A 25-year perspective.  Folia Hort. 31(1), 2019, 3-49. Kishi-Kaboshi M.;  Ryutaro Aida, Katsutomo Sasaki. 2018. Genome engineering in ornamental plants: Current status and future prospects. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.plaphy.2018.03.015 Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 131 (47-52) MIT Technology Review article: The Next Great GMO Debate Nordberg A, Minssen T, Holm S, Horst M, Mortensen K, Møller BL. 2018. Cutting edges and weaving threads in the gene editing revolution: reconciling scientific progress with legal, ethical, and social concerns. J Law Biosci. 2018;5(1):35–83. Published 2018 Jan 18. doi:10.1093/jlb/lsx043. Oh- and I just found this one on bees- published at the end of February GMO bees article    Our theme music was composed and performed by Heather's son Callum and audio editing was completed by the uber talented Laura Eccleston.