Light Bio Selling Bioluminescent Firefly Petunias
Posted on April 15, 2024
Light Bio recently started selling its genetically modified petunia that glows-in-the-dark. The plant is known as the firefly petunia. The USDA approved it last year.
Light Bio says recent scientific developments have led to genetic modifications which enhance bioluminescence in a variety of plants by up to 100 times. The researchers optimized genes isolated from multiple species of luminous mushrooms to get the results.
Light Bio says, "The Firefly Petunia is indistinguishable from conventional petunias, except that it gives off an ethereal aura at night. From seedling to mature plant, it glows without any specialized requirements or treatment."
A report from Fast Company says the plant quickly received 50,000 orders. Fast Company also says future products from Light Bio could be bioluminescent roses and houseplants. It also says there could ultimately be "flowers that light up at the touch of your finger."
The firefly petunias cost $29 each and can be ordered from light.bio.
Keith Wood, CEO of Light Bio, says in the announcement, "s part of the scientific team that discovered the bioluminescence genes from fireflies, I helped create the first glowing plant in 1986 which has inspired scientists worldwide. In the forty-odd years since, we have discovered a new bioluminescence technology that now allows us to bring these delightful plants to consumers. We can't wait to see their reactions and to discover the bright future ahead for this incredible technology."