Light organic.
Americans will be able to buy a plant that glows at night. What is it about ? How is this phenomenon explained?
Brilliant world news. American start-up Light Bio from Sun Valley (Idaho) has received permission to place a bioluminescent plant on its national market, Nature magazine reports. Fans will have to pay $29 to pre-order. Delivery is scheduled for April 2024.
A petunia like no other
An American biotech company has developed ‘Firefly Petunia’, a special petunia. During the day, it presents white flowers very classically, but as soon as night falls, it offers a completely different spectacle, visible to the naked eye. It actually gives off a light green glow in the dark. And without food or special light. The flowers and leaves, i.e. the fast-growing parts of the plant, shine the most.
A plant that can also be installed in the bedroom. No worries about sleeping because the light from this houseplant is soft and harmless to those sleeping near the plant.
Why does it light up at night?
Scientists incorporated genes from a bioluminescent fungus into this genetically modified (GMO) plant. Assessment Nature suggests that these genes make the plant produce enzymes capable of converting caffeic acid into luciferin, an electroluminescent molecule, and then recycling it back into caffeic acid, allowing for permanent bioluminescence.
This glowing petunia was chosen because it is not considered an invasive plant. Therefore, it should not pose a threat to native plants or disrupt ecosystems. But will this brightness in gardens disturb insects and other nocturnal animals if the petunia is planted in the garden?
plants