Unfortunately for the human taste of beauty, forest plants have no need to glow in the dark like those in the movie Avatar. Fortunately for the human taste of beauty, we can genetically modify plants to glow in the dark.
Cleared as non-disruptive by the USDA and now available for pre-order, the Firefly Petunia is set to become the first commercially raised flower species that glows in the dark.
The Firefly Petunia emits a soft glow at a lux level similar to moonlight. It can be grown in pots, baskets, or gardens, quickly attaining about 8 to 10 inches in size with abundant white flowers, according to the company Light Bio, which made them.
Although typically regarded as annuals, petunias can be grown indoors if placed in a sunny spot. They flourish under long summer days, preferring at least six hours of direct sunlight. Promoting vigorous growth will produce a brighter glow.
Bioluminescence has been found in many animal species, including fish, invertebrates, and bacteria. The origin of this particular science experiment comes in the form of bioluminescent mushrooms. Scientists transferred four genes from these mushrooms into a tobacco plant, and found it glowed in the dark for its whole life.
“We show that you can transfer four genes from these glowing mushrooms into the plants —and wire them into plant metabolisms—so that the plants start to glow in the dark,” Karen Sarkisyan, one of the lead authors of a study published in the journal Nature Biotechnology on Monday, told CNN.
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As far as scientific aims, the light emanating from the plants’ own cells has been found to correspond to certain behaviors; some known, some not. According to Sarkisyan, the experiments are just as much about (re)introducing people to the unique beauty of the plant world as producing a valued product for the market.
She said that other plants like periwinkles and roses, could also be made to glow.
“The magic of bioluminescent plants will spark curiosity and interest in nature and science, especially in children,” the company writes. “By hands-on exploration of a living plant designed to emit light, young learners are introduced to the stimulating world of biotechnology.”
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