Agriculture biotechnology which has been creating news by making disease resistant grains, fruits, oilseeds and vegetables, and cash crops like cotton through genetic modification is finding its way in a big way into the $49 billion cut flower industry. Genetic modification techniques are used to create new varieties and new colours in traditional export-oriented flowers like roses.

”Genetic modification techniques are used for breeding unique shape, colour and scent in addition to the usual breeding objectives of pest and disease resistance,” says the international service for the acquisition of agribiotech applications (ISAAA).