Research Gallery

bioRxiv abstract: "Genetically encoded pigments are powerful visual reporters and creative tools for biology, yet in plants the palette of pigment biosynthesis genes has remained largely limited to red betacyanins encoded by RUBY. Here we develop and characterize three new polycistronic constructs AMBER_v1, AMBER_v2, and GOLD that contain betalain biosynthesis enzymes to produce yellow, fluorescent betaxanthins in plant tissues. These tools expand the palette of publicly available pigmentation genes for use in plant research, education, and floral design."

This collection showcases petunia research as featured on various scientific journal covers, highlighting the visual impact and scientific significance of petunia studies in botanical research over multiple decades.

Chopy M, Cavallini-Speisser Q, Chambrier P, Morel P, Just J, Hugouvieux V, Rodrigues Bento S, Zubieta C, Vandenbussche M, and Monniaux M. Cell layer�specific expression of the homeotic MADS-box transcription factor PhDEF contributes to modular petal morphogenesis in petunia. The Plant Cell. 2024:36(2):324�345. https://doi.org/10.1093/plcell/koad258

This collection showcases petunia research as featured on various scientific journal covers, highlighting the visual impact and scientific significance of petunia studies in botanical research over multiple decades.

China ink miniature of one of the many mutants in the collection. In the early days of petunia research, photography was not good enough in reproducing colors of the different lines. These were then captured in all details by these kind of miniatures. The painter 'Flaks' Dijkhuizen-Middendorp was in the lab regularly to produce these little masterpieces. There are hundreds of them in the historical collection.

China ink miniature showing the detailed anatomical structure of petunia flowers, including anthers and stigma.