A US company has signed a research and commercialisation agreement with New Zealand's Crop & Food Research that could lay the groundwork for production of flowering ornamental plants enhanced by biotechnology.

The Scotts Company, a leading lawn and garden care company, is studying ways to enhance its horticultural product range to include improved ornamental plants. Commercial applications will not be evident for several years.

”We recognize the expertise of Crop & Food Research in the area of plant pigmentation,” said Dr. Bob Harriman, Scotts Vice President of Biotechnology. “They are doing excellent work, and we welcome them as a research partner.”

"We hope this research will produce the kind of improved flower types that both consumers and professional florists will enjoy and embrace," Dr. Harriman said.

Dr. Kevin Davies who leads Crop & Food Research’s plant pigment programme said, "This agreement provides our researchers with relevant plant material and key technologies to produce improved ornamental products."

The research will initially emphasise improved pelargoniums (geraniums) and will be led by Crop & Food Research scientist Murray Boase.

Crop & Food Research has established an international reputation for its success in improving flower colour using gene technology. Its experts work together to improve knowledge of pigment biosynthesis and to develop technologies that have widespread applications in agriculture.