Researchers at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences of the University of Florida have pinpointed the genes that control the chemicals responsible for creating a flower’s scent. This allows them the ability to reduce, increase or alter their scent. To test their findings, researchers have planted petunias, a flower that has a unique scent, modifying them to smell like roses . Once they bloom (sometime this summer), the researchers will ask blindfolded participants to smell them and see if they can distinguish the altered scent of the petunias from actual roses.
This is important for Toronto florists because we offer what our clients want, which was, up to this time, flowers that look pretty, are hardier and last long in a vase after being cut. Not much attention has been paid to scent, and this essential trait may 
have suffered as a result (cut flowers still smell, but they may not smell as much as originally). With the ability to alter a flower’s fragrance, florists and farmers may have to start expanding their selection and offer an entirely different product. Imagine the variety!
However, this won’t happen for a while, since research is still currently being undertaken, after which the FDA will also have to approve any of these genetically modified flowers.
Chocolate scented roses for Valentine’s Day, anyone? What mother wouldn’t enjoy a bountiful bouquet of vanilla scented lilies? You never know what kind of combinations they’ll come up with!
