Feb 24, 2012

AFE Releases Breeding and Genetics Research ReportSource: American Floral Endowment

The American Floral Endowment (AFE) just released a new research report that examines fungal resistance in bedding plants, using a gene for Mannitol Dehydrogenase.

The research study was conducted by John D. Williamson, George C. Allen and John M. Dole at the Department of Horticultural Science at North Carolina State University.

This research provides growers with an ecofriendly means of controlling fungal diseases. Production expenses would also be less due to lower pest management costs and decreased shrinkage caused by plant mortality and aesthetic damage from fungal disease.

For the consumer, over-expression of this naturally occurring plant enzyme could result in healthier plants with lower maintenance needs in the landscape, and, thus, lower environmental impact.

The paper can be dowloaded at AFE’s website.