What makes a rose red? It has a gene, which tells it which color to be. In a major scientific breakthrough 20 years ago, scientists discovered how to turn down the red gene and introduce a new blue gene, from a petunia, to produce the world’s first blue rose. This process, where scientists have learned how to press the “dimmer switch” on a very specific gene, is known as RNAi.
The potential of RNAi in the medical world is outstanding where scientists are working out how to turn down undesirable or unnecessary genes that lead to illness and disease.
And you might be surprised to learn that RNAi “dimming” already happens in nature. The naturally occurring process is revolutionizing the agricultural world and can become an important tool to help farmers protect and enhance their crops in the most sustainable way.
Learn more about RNAi innovations that are changing the face of the crop protection industry here:
This story is part of our Partner Spotlight on CropLife International. CropLife is committed to bringing farmers the plant science they need to help them grow crops in sustainable ways. The innovations in plant protection shared through this Partner Spotlight are some of the many examples that are helping farmers cope with increasing threats worldwide. As a Partner in GFAR, CropLife’s researchers believe that the future of farming can only benefit from informed discussion and knowledge sharing, and that engagement and partnerships are key to improving agriculture. They know that to progress farmers and rural communities they must be empowered to take ownership of their own futures and become drivers of the innovations they wish to see.
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