Question:
Famous blue coloured variety 'Moondust' belongs to which of the following flower crop?
Famous blue coloured variety 'Moondust' belongs to which of the following flower crop?
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'Moondust' and 'Moonshadow' are the world's first genetically engineered violet-blue carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus), developed by introducing the delphinidin pigment gene.
Updated On: Jul 23, 2026
- Lilium longiflorum
- Rosa hybrida
- Dianthus caryophyllus
- Tagetes erecta
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The Correct Option is C
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Developing unique flower colors (like true blue or violet) in crops that naturally lack the necessary pigment biosynthesis pathway is a major achievement in floriculture biotechnology.
This is achieved by introducing foreign genes (such as the flavonoid $3', 5'$-hydroxylase gene) using genetic engineering.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The variety 'Moondust' is historically significant in floriculture:
- It is the world's first commercially released transgenic (genetically modified) flower crop.
- 'Moondust' belongs to Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus).
- Developed by the Australian biotechnology company Florigene, it was engineered by introducing petunia genes responsible for synthesizing the blue-violet pigment delphinidin, which carnations cannot produce naturally.
- The resulting carnation flowers display a unique, beautiful pale violet-blue color.
Let us review the other options:
- Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily): Does not have a commercial transgenic blue variety named 'Moondust'.
- Rosa hybrida (Rose): Transgenic blue roses have been developed (such as 'Applause'), but 'Moondust' is specifically a carnation.
- Tagetes erecta (African Marigold): Known for yellow, orange, and bronze colors, with no transgenic blue variety.
Therefore, 'Moondust' is a carnation cultivar.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The famous blue-colored variety 'Moondust' belongs to Dianthus caryophyllus.
Developing unique flower colors (like true blue or violet) in crops that naturally lack the necessary pigment biosynthesis pathway is a major achievement in floriculture biotechnology.
This is achieved by introducing foreign genes (such as the flavonoid $3', 5'$-hydroxylase gene) using genetic engineering.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The variety 'Moondust' is historically significant in floriculture:
- It is the world's first commercially released transgenic (genetically modified) flower crop.
- 'Moondust' belongs to Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus).
- Developed by the Australian biotechnology company Florigene, it was engineered by introducing petunia genes responsible for synthesizing the blue-violet pigment delphinidin, which carnations cannot produce naturally.
- The resulting carnation flowers display a unique, beautiful pale violet-blue color.
Let us review the other options:
- Lilium longiflorum (Easter Lily): Does not have a commercial transgenic blue variety named 'Moondust'.
- Rosa hybrida (Rose): Transgenic blue roses have been developed (such as 'Applause'), but 'Moondust' is specifically a carnation.
- Tagetes erecta (African Marigold): Known for yellow, orange, and bronze colors, with no transgenic blue variety.
Therefore, 'Moondust' is a carnation cultivar.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The famous blue-colored variety 'Moondust' belongs to Dianthus caryophyllus.
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