The USDA has just given the green light to biotech startup Light Bio to start selling ‘Firefly’ petunias, modified with the DNA of glowing mushrooms to provide the plants with bioluminescence. The petunias will naturally glow in the dark (no blacklight required) and be visible to the naked eye. They can be pre-ordered now for $29, with shipping beginning in April. That’s cool, but I would have created bioluminescent begonias instead of petunias and named them beGLOWnias. But that’s just me, and I was a marketing major in college.
The fungus (the poisonous mushroom Neonothopanus nambi) feeds its light-emitting reaction with the molecule caffeic acid, which terrestrial plants also happen to make. By inserting the mushroom genes into the petunia, researchers made it possible for the plant to produce enzymes that can convert caffeic acid into the light-emitting molecule luciferin and then recycle it back into caffeic acid — enabling sustained bioluminescence.
The entirety of the plants will glow, with new growth and flowers emitting the brightest light and the glow dimming in older parts of the plant. I just have two questions before making my purchase decision: 1) can they be grown as houseplants? and 2) are they bright enough to light the way to the bathroom at night? Because if so, you’ve got yourself a customer.
[via ScientificAmerican]
With over 17 years of writing experience, Jonathan has had a passion for all things tech-related, ever since watching Inspector Gadget as a child. He's disassembled countless appliances and managed to put a few back together, and one still works. When not writing, he can often be found playing video games or accidentally hurting himself in the garage.