Scientists have pinpointed the exact enzyme responsible for the aroma
Gardeners have been breeding roses for their appearance and not smell
Wild roses have a more pungent smell to attract bees to pollinate
Modified roses have been changed so they last longer as cut flowers.
The problem is the gene in roses that carries disease resistance has proved difficult to make easily compatible with the gene for fragrance. Because of this, as the focus on disease resistance increased over the last 15 years fragrance sadly had to take a back seat.
This of course begs the query “Why don’t roses have a scent?”
Because the flowers often have to travel hundreds of miles to reach the shops, their toughness has also been valued more than their fragrance. As a result, the scent of roses has suffered, and become something of an afterthought.
The next thing we wanted the answer to was; how do Roses produce their sweet aroma?
Now, scientists have pinpointed exactly how the flower produces their sweet aroma by identifying the gene that ‘switches on’ the scent. Scientists have discovered that roses that have been bred for their looks have lost out on their scent.
Why do flowers lose their scent?
But according to researchers, the flowers have been gradually losing their evocative scent – because gardeners have bred them for their appearance rather than their smell. Now, scientists have pinpointed exactly how the flower produces their sweet aroma by identifying the gene that ‘switches on’ the scent.
Could a new pathway in the petals of Roses restore lost smell?
A new pathway in the petals has been discovered which produces a fragrance that could be re-introduced into rose varieties that have lost their smell. Scientists have identified an enzyme known as Rh. NUDX1 which plays a key role in producing the sweet fragrance of roses.
I know roses plants can change in scent with age but I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to encourage the fragrance as this is one of the main reason I have planted it. Any thoughts welcome.
Could rhnudx1 enzyme be the secret to sweet fragrance of Roses?
Scientists have identified an enzyme known as Rh. NUDX1 which plays a key role in producing the sweet fragrance of roses, which they suggest could be re-introduced into modern varieties that have lost their scent as a result of intensive breeding for better colour and shape.