Combination of Cyclamen persicum Mill. floral gene promoters and chimeric repressors for the modification of ornamental traits in Torenia fournieri Lind.

Researchers in Japan have developed a genetic toolbox to help change the color and shape of ornamental flowers. Katsutomo Sasaki's team at Japan's National Agriculture and Food Research Organization, Ibaraki, introduced DNA sequences into torenia plants, a model system for flower breeding, to explore their value for creating new varieties. They combined sequences that control where genes are expressed (promoters) from cyclamen petals, with sequences designed to switch genes off (repressors). Using these combinations, the team tested the effect of repressing different classes of genes in different parts of petals. Several combinations led to changes in the color and shape of the petals. Categorizing these changes enabled the researchers to deduce which promoters and repressors were effective and which trait they affected. These findings will provide useful information and genetic resources for molecular flower breeding.