A group of researchers from the Wageningen University & Research Centre in The Netherlands has managed to sequence the entire genome of the rose. That genetic information can henceforth be used by breeders to develop new varieties faster and more cheaply.
To obtain this complete map of the modern cut rose’s hereditary information, the study team examined two tetraploid hybrid tea roses and their hundred and eighty offspring. This allowed them to genetically map all 28 of the rose’s chromosomes, making use of 300 different genetic markers.
Three key characteristics of the rose flower have already been identified for sure as a result of the study: the number of thorns per stem, the number of leaves they grow and their resistance to mildew. Other properties may well soon follow.
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