(a) Modified to be pest resistant;
(b) Modified to be fungus free;
(c) Modified in respect of bloom colour (eg blue); or
(d) Any of the above?

I'm not sure what got me wondering, but if they can make pest-resistant cotton plants, I wonder if they're working on GM roses? And if so, will we rosarians be faced with this question any time soon?

"This is not necessarily true as sports can be initiated by the use of colchicine or gibberellins and other factors." Being oblivious as to what these agents are, I again consulted my dictionary. "Colchicine" is defined in Macquarie as inter alia, "Used to obtain new agricultural and horticultural varieties because it causes abnormal division of some living cells with an increase in the number of chromosomes." For "gibberellins" I could only find "Gibberellic acid", defined as "a metabolic product of the fungus Gibberella fujikuroa; stimulates plant growth". That these agents produce mutation in roses I do not know, but I will accept X’s word on the subject. If it were true, I would ask X whether in X's opinion X would compare an artificially induced mutated rose to be equal to one occurring naturally. I also wonder what the rose community would think of genetically engineered roses.

But if the industry went that one step further, and played directly with the DNA... certainly some companies like Jackson & Perkins in the US would have the capital to make the investment. If a company were to introduce a genuinely care-free rose I suspect the public would buy it in enormous numbers.

And if supply were to follow demand, perhaps all the varieties we know and love today might be of historical interest only in 20 years' time. A worst case scenario, admittedly, but possible.

So I have mixed feelings on this one. Lozza, thanks for the article reference, I wasn't aware of it. What prompted me was another post requesting 'aphid-resistant' roses, which reminded me of the GM cotton that has been altered to produce toxins that kill sucking pests.

Ahh but I don't care . If plant breeding cheats like DA etc introduce these GM super varieties anytime soon they will have no way of protecting their new creations from those who wish to incorporate some of these hotted up gene combos'into their own traditional crossbreeding programs.And in the end most of this new stuff will pan out in ways we just can't possibly predict.
Mr Thrip

p.s I could ramble on forever with this would be/could be trash but at the end of the day my motivating fear is that GM technology will change the ornamental plant scene massively,quickly and irreversibly.Plant breeding has been the forte of patient,persistent individuals, naturally intrigued by plants and the natural world and with an intuition for plant breeding which is derived from such.Alas,it may soon be no more.
I'm crying now
Goodnight
MrThrip

the most important things about Colchicine
is a highly poisonous alkaloid, originally extracted from plants of the genus Colchicum .
Originally used to treat rheumatic complaints and especially gout, it was also prescribed
for its cathartic and emetic effects. Its present medicinal use is mainly in the treatment
of gout; as well, it is being investigated for its potential use as an anti-cancer drug.
It can also be used as initial treatment for pericarditis and preventing recurrences of
the condition.

In the same calification we can find drugs like

probenecid (sometimes referred to as Probenacid or Probenicid) is a drug that stimulates the kidneys to increase uric acid excretion.
This type of drug, known as a uricosuric, will cause the overall levels of uric acid in the blood to fall, thus reducing the chances of gout attacks in the long term.
However, in the short term, it can cause gout attacks as existing crystals re-dissolve.
For this reason, it is often prescribed along with a pain-relieving drug.
Probenecid will not normally prevent gout attacks until you have taken it for over 12 months.
Some people find they can stop taking it, once uric acid levels have been reduced and stabilized.
Regular uric acid tests will help to confirm your situation.
Note that you are at risk of contracting gout again if you stop taking the drug and have made no other lifestyle changes that reduce your gout risk.

Loratadine is used to relieve hay fever and allergy symptoms, including sneezing; runny
nose; and red, itchy, tearing eyes. Loratadine is in a class of medications called
antihistamines. It works by blocking histamine, a substance in the body that causes
allergic symptoms. Loratadine may cause less drowsiness than other antihistamines.

Flonase is a steroid. It prevents the release of substances in the body that cause inflammation, is used to treat the nasal symptoms of allergies and other seasonal reactions.,may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Use Flonase spray exactly as directed by your doctor. Read the information insert included with your medication. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
To use the nasal spray:
Shake the bottle gently and then remove the dust cover,It is necessary to prime the pump
into the air the first time it is used, or when you have not used it for a week or more.

the fioricet is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation.
is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches.
Together, acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction) headaches although precisely how it works is unknown.
Fioricet may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

you can find more information about vicodin at www.crdrx.com, 10/325 at www.10-325.com, vicoprofen at www.1vicoprofen.com and lortab at www.1lortab.com

Have a great day