Decoding rose DNA could allow scientists to create flowers that look and smell better

Roses have had their genome sequenced by scientists who say it could help to develop genetically improved versions of the popular ornamental flower.

Within the 36,377 genes identified, the research team found DNA coding for various desirable characteristics.

They said their work could help massively speed up the process of flower breeding and allow the creation of new varieties of rose.

“There are many important traits in the rose – the scent, its capacity to flower multiple times, the flower architecture and so on – and there is huge variety especially in colour and scent in roses,” Dr Mohammed Bendahmane told The Independent.

The biologist at The Ecole normale superieure (ENS) Lyon, added: “For centuries they have been trying to breed for these traits, but they had some difficulty understanding why they are getting one colour instead of another, or why they couldn’t combine some traits – like some scent with a particular colour.”

Roses are some of the most ubiquitous ornamental plants worldwide, and they have been cultivated for centuries by societies from the Mediterranean to China.

Modern roses are descended from a handful of the roughly 150 species that exist in the wild. From these, breeders have created thousands of varieties with a range of characteristics.