Petunias are popular flowering plants known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms. They come in a wide range of colors, from white and pink to deep purple and red, and they thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil.
Petunias are commonly grown in gardens, hanging baskets, and containers due to their easy care and ability to attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds. But what gives these simple plants their powerful fragrance? New research offers a clear answer.
Researchers have identified a homeotic gene called PhDEF. This genetic driver appears to be the key that unlocks the natural perfumes that petunias are famous for.
The study was led by Professor Alexander Vainstein from The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Read more at Earth.com