Gypsophila plant with elevated beta-carotene content and method for obtaining same

Abstract

To provide altered Gypsophila plants, and methods for obtaining the same.SOLUTION: The present invention provides an altered Gypsophila plant comprising a flower having an altered phenotype, the flower having an altered phenotype comprising an elevated amount of Beta-Carotene, and the elevated amount of Beta-Carotene being at least twice the concentration of Beta-Carotene compared to the concentration of Beta-Carotene in a control Gypsophila flower.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention is directed, inter alia, to modified Gypsophila plants accumulating elevated amounts of carotenoids and / or pigments, as well as methods and compositions for obtaining same. [Background technology]

[0002] Gypsophila paniculata is native to Europe, temperate Asia, and the eastern Mediterranean. It was first introduced into North America before 1890 as a garden ornamental and is often cultivated in gardens, flower beds, and in prepared bouquets (Cavers, 1995; Darwent and Coupland, 1966).

[0003] The flowering plant genus Gypsophila is a member of the family Caryophyllaceae. Gypsophila is a large family consisting of 88 genera and about 2,000 species. Gypsophila consists of 125 known species that are annual, biennial and perennial plants (Shillo, 1985). First described in Linne's Species plantarum, Gypsophila paniculata is a herbaceous perennial plant that is sometimes used as an annual crop. The chromosome number of Gypsophila paniculata is 2n=34 (Kishi, 1994). The genus name comes from the Greek gypsos ("gypsum") and philios ("love").

[0004] In the horticulture industry, Gypsophila plants are found in a variety of forms for landscape, home garden, container use, and cut flower use. Gypsophila paniculata is the primary Gypsophila species used for cut flowers (Darwent and Coupland, 1966; Shillo, 1985; Moyal-Ben Zvi et al., 2008) and is traditionally used as a filler flower to add volume and visual interest to ornamental bouquets and floral arrangements. To date, traditionally bred Gypsophila is available primarily in one color, white, with very limited varieties in pale pink.

[0005] Moreover, gypsophila plants are annual and perennial plants. The stems of gypsophila are usually erect, branched or spreading, or in some species, lying along the ground. The leaves vary in shape. The inflorescences are usually complexly branched cymes or densifloras. Each small flower has a cup-shaped calyx with white-edged green sepals containing five petals in white or pink shades. The fruit is a round or oval capsule that opens at the valves. The fruit contains several brown or black seeds, often shaped like kidneys or snail shells. Summary of the Invention Effect of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, the invention provides a modified Gypsophila plant comprising a flower having a modified phenotype, the flower having the modified phenotype comprising an elevated amount of beta-carotene, the elevated amount of beta-carotene being at least twice the concentration of beta-carotene as compared to the concentration of beta-carotene in a control Gypsophila flower. In some embodiments, the control Gypsophila is a Gypsophila cultivar, Million Stars. In some embodiments, the Gypsophila flower is in the flowering stage. In some embodiments, the Gypsophila flower is in the bud-close stage.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a method for screening a population of parent Gypsophila plants for the presence of individual plants capable of generating progeny plants having phenotypically altered flowers, the flowers having the altered phenotype comprising an elevated amount of beta-carotene, the elevated amount of beta-carotene being at least twice the concentration of beta-carotene compared to the concentration of beta-carotene in a control Gypsophila flower, the method comprising: (a) preparing cut flowers from the individual parent plants; and (b) contacting each cut flower from the parent Gypsophila plant with a composition comprising water, 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid, and 5-20 mg / l benzyladenine for at least two days, wherein flowers expressing petals having yellow, cream, or both colors as opposed to white are selected as having the altered phenotype. In some embodiments, at least 15% of the petal surface area of ​​the flowers having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, 10% or 15% of the petal surface area of ​​the flowers having the altered phenotype is yellow. In some embodiments, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% of the petal surface area of ​​flowers having an altered phenotype is white.

[0008] In another embodiment, the yellow is a light yellow. In another embodiment, the yellow is a color having a wavelength of 580 to 570 nm. In another embodiment, the yellow is a light shade of yellow. In another embodiment, the yellow is lemon chiffon. In another embodiment, the yellow is a pigmented yellow. In another embodiment, the yellow is canary yellow. In another embodiment, the yellow is a muted yellow. In another embodiment, the yellow is any yellow color known to those skilled in the art.

[0009] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a plant or progeny of the plant comprising a flower having an altered phenotype, wherein the flower having an altered phenotype comprises an elevated amount of beta-carotene, the elevated amount of beta-carotene being at least twice the beta-carotene concentration as compared to the beta-carotene concentration in a control Gypsophila flower.

[0010] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides a composition comprising water, 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid, and 5-20 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition is used for selection according to the present invention. In another embodiment, the composition is for selecting plants having elevated amounts of beta-carotene. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a bar graph showing the amount of micrograms of pigments, carotenoids, or both per gram of flower. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a unique Gypsophila plant with extended shelf life. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a unique Gypsophila plant with extended vase life. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a cultivated Gypsophila plant with good and unique characteristics, such as shelf life. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a cultivated Gypsophila plant that is the product of an unexpected selection procedure.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a unique Gypsophila plant that accumulates an unexpectedly large amount of plant pigments compared to the corresponding wild type or other known Gypsophila plants. In another embodiment, the present invention provides a unique Gypsophila plant that accumulates at least twice the amount of plant pigments compared to the corresponding wild type or other known Gypsophila plants. In another embodiment, the terms "modified" and "unique" are used interchangeably. In another embodiment, a modified plant has a modified or unique phenotype compared to the corresponding wild type or other known Gypsophila plants of the same species. In another embodiment, a modified plant has modified petals characterized by a unique color or combination of colors. In another embodiment, a "plant" or "plant part" as used herein includes seeds, leaves, stems, pollen, roots, root tips, anthers, ovules, petals, flowers, unrooted cuttings, cuttings, and embryos. In another embodiment, a "plant" is a cutting. In another embodiment, a "plant" is a plant that has been harvested for sale. In another embodiment, a "plant" or "plant part" is an unrooted cutting.

[0014] In another embodiment, "plant" is the entire plant, including all plant organs. In another embodiment, "plant" refers to plant cells or plant parts from which Gypsophila paniculata plants can be made, including tissue cultures, plant protoplasts, plant callus, plant mass, and plant cells that are intact in the plant. In another embodiment, the "plant" or "Gypsophila paniculata" is Gypsophila paniculata.

[0015] In another embodiment, the phrases "modified plant" and "plant of the invention" are used interchangeably. In another embodiment, "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is Gypsophila. In another embodiment, "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is Gypsophila characterized by elevated amounts of plant pigments. In another embodiment, "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is Gypsophila characterized by elevated amounts of combinations of plant pigments. In another embodiment, "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is Gypsophila characterized by an unexpected floral phenotype, such as, but not limited to, green petals, yellow petals, and / or orange petals. In another embodiment, "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is Gypsophila characterized by an unexpected, extended shelf life. In another embodiment, the "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is a gypsophila flower. In another embodiment, the "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is a gypsophila in flowering or bud-closed stage. In another embodiment, the "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is a gypsophila in flowering or bud-closed stage. In another embodiment, the "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" is a gypsophila that develops petals that include cream and / or yellow color when cut flowers derived from the "gypsophila" and / or "modified plant" and / or "plant of the invention" are contacted with a screening composition described herein.

[0016] In another embodiment, the phrases: "plant of the invention", "modified plant" and "plant with phenotypically modified flower" are used interchangeably. In another embodiment, the "modified plant" or "plant with phenotypically modified flower" has a modified or unique phenotype compared to a corresponding wild type or other known Gypsophila plant (control). In another embodiment, the "modified plant" or "plant with phenotypically modified flower" has a modified or unique phenotype compared to a corresponding Gypsophila plant (control) of the same species. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention and the control plant are Gypsophila plants of the same or different species. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention and the control plant are compared according to the invention at the same developmental stage. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention and the control plant are compared according to the invention at the same developmental stage. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention and the control plant are assayed at the same developmental stage for carotenoid content, pigment content, chlorophyll content, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the developmental stage is any floral developmental stage known to one of skill in the art. In another embodiment, the developmental stage is the flowering stage or bud closure stage.

[0017] In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll and / or carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in petals. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll and / or carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in flowers. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in white flowers. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in white petals. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in multiple flowers from a single plant. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in multiple flowers from multiple plants. In another embodiment, the amount of chlorophyll, carotenoids and / or pigments is quantified in multiple flowers from multiple plants having the same phenotype as described herein.

[0018] In another embodiment, the "flower" is any flower or type of flower known to one of skill in the art. In another embodiment, the "flower" is a multiple flower. In another embodiment, the "flower" is a single flower. In another embodiment, the "flower" is a double flower. In another embodiment, the "flower" is a semi-double flower.

[0019] In another embodiment, the plants of the present invention comprise at least 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times the concentration and / or amount of a particular pigment and / or chlorophyll, carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments and chlorophyll as compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains at least twice the concentration and / or amount of a specific pigment and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments and carotenoids compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 1.5 to 15 times the concentration and / or amount of a specific pigment and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments, chlorophyll and / or carotenoids compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 1.5 to 5 times the concentration and / or amount of a specific pigment and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments and chlorophyll and / or carotenoids compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 2 to 10 times the concentration and / or amount of a specific pigment and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments and chlorophyll and / or carotenoids compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises a 2- to 5-fold higher concentration and / or amount of a particular pigment and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoid and / or combination of pigments and / or combination of pigments and chlorophyll and / or carotenoids compared to a control plant.In another embodiment, the plants of the present invention contain 3-8 times higher concentrations and / or amounts of specific pigments and / or chlorophyll and / or carotenoids and / or combinations of pigments and / or combinations of pigments and chlorophyll and / or carotenoids compared to a control plant, such as, but not limited to, Gypsophila myrrhizae.

[0020] In another embodiment, the control plant is a wild type plant of the same species. In another embodiment, the control plant is any Gypsophila plant known prior to the date of the present invention. In another embodiment, the control plant is Gypsophila million star. In another embodiment, the control plant is any cultivated or selected plant of the same species. In another embodiment, the control plant is any known Gypsophila. In another embodiment, the control plant is any known Gypsophila at the flowering stage or when the buds are closed. In another embodiment, the control plant is any known Gypsophila flower. In another embodiment, the control plant is any known Gypsophila flower at the flowering stage or when the buds are closed. In another embodiment, the "plant of the present invention" is a Gypsophila flower. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention is a Gypsophila flower at the flowering stage or when the buds are closed. In another embodiment, the "plant of the present invention" is a flower with an altered phenotype. In another embodiment, the "plant of the present invention" is a plant with an altered phenotype. In another embodiment, the "altered phenotype" is a Gypsophila with an altered phenotype. In another embodiment, the "altered phenotype" is a phenotypically altered Gypsophila flower.

[0021] In another embodiment, the pigment is a photosynthetic pigment. In another embodiment, the pigment is chlorophyll A. In another embodiment, the pigment is chlorophyll B. In another embodiment, the pigment is a carotenoid. In another embodiment, the pigment is a xanthophyll. In another embodiment, the pigment is lutein. In another embodiment, the pigment is beta-carotene. In another embodiment, the pigment is antheraxanthin. In another embodiment, the pigment is zeaxanthin. In another embodiment, the pigment is violaxanthin. In another embodiment, the modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention comprises 1.2-18 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoid, pigment, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention comprises 1.2-15 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention comprises 1.2-10 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof.

[0022] In another embodiment, the phrase "modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention" is synonymous with "modified petals" or "modified carotenoid and / or pigment content" or "modified flower" or "flower having modified carotenoid and / or pigment content" or "Gypsophila plant comprising a flower having a modified phenotype."

[0023] In another embodiment, a modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention comprises an elevated amount of beta-carotene, wherein the elevated amount of beta-carotene is at least 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.2, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times the beta-carotene concentration in a control Gypsophila flower. In another embodiment, the modified Gypsophila plant of the present invention comprises an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, the elevated amount of chlorophyll A being at least twice the chlorophyll A concentration in the flower of Gypsophila spp. cultivar Million Stars (MS) at flowering or bud closure. In another embodiment, the flower with the modified phenotype further comprises an elevated amount of chlorophyll B, the elevated amount of chlorophyll B being at least twice the chlorophyll B concentration in the flower of Gypsophila spp. cultivar Million Stars (MS) at flowering or bud closure. In another embodiment, the flower with the modified phenotype comprises 0.5-4% w / w or v / v lutein of the total carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the flower with the modified phenotype comprises 30-50% w / w or v / v beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the flower having the altered phenotype further comprises an elevated amount of zeaxanthin, the elevated amount of zeaxanthin being at least 10 times the concentration of zeaxanthin in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (MS) at flowering or bud closure, In another embodiment, the flower having the altered phenotype comprises an elevated amount of violaxanthin, the elevated amount of violaxanthin being at least 1.5 times the concentration of violaxanthin in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (MS) at flowering or bud closure.

[0024] In another embodiment, at least 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 18%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, or 60% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green, yellow, orange, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, at least 15% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 17% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 20% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 22% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 25% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 30% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower having the altered phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 40% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower with the modified phenotype is green. In some embodiments, at least 40% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower with the modified phenotype is green. In another embodiment, at least 5%, 8%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the petal surface area of ​​the flower with the modified phenotype is white, yellow, or both. In another embodiment, the control Gypsophila flower is a flower of Gypsophila cultivar Million Stars. In another embodiment, the flower described herein is in bloom or in bud closure.

[0025] In another embodiment, the at least 1.4 fold is at least 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, or 4.2. , 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. In another embodiment, at least 1.5 times is at least 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, or 4.2. .2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. In another embodiment, at least 2-fold is at least 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, ... .5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20.In another embodiment, at least 2.5 times is at least 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, ...10, 3.11, 3.12, 3.13, 3.14, 3.15, 3.16, 3.17, 3.18, 3.19, 3.20, 3.21, 3.22, 3.23, 3.24, 3.25, 3.26, 3.27, 3.28, 3.29, 3.30, 3.31, 3.32, 3.33, 3.34, 3.35, 3.36, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 1.5, 7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 or 20. In another embodiment, at least 10 times is at least 10.1, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 11, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.4, 11.5, 12.0, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14.0, 14.5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25. In another embodiment, at least 5% is at least 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 9.5%, or 10%. In another embodiment, at least 10% is 10.1%, 10.2%, 10.3%, 10.4%, 10.5%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 22%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 28%, 30%, 32%, 34%, 35, 37%, 40%, 45, 50%, 55%, or 60%. In another embodiment, the percentage (%) in any range of the present invention refers to w / w, w / v, v / w or v / v %.

[0026] In another embodiment, a modified Gypsophila plant of the invention comprises an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, the elevated amount of chlorophyll A being at least 1.5 times the chlorophyll A concentration compared to the concentration of chlorophyll A in known Gypsophila plants (wild type or other known plants such as Million Star as described herein). In another embodiment, a modified Gypsophila plant of the invention comprises an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, the elevated amount of chlorophyll A being at least twice the chlorophyll A concentration compared to the concentration of chlorophyll A in known Gypsophila plants (wild type or other known plants such as Million Star as described herein). In another embodiment, a modified Gypsophila plant of the invention comprises a flower having an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, the elevated amount of chlorophyll A being at least twice the chlorophyll A concentration compared to the concentration of chlorophyll A in known Gypsophila flowers (wild type or other known plants).

[0027] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention (having an altered phenotype) comprises 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 1.5 to 15 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 2 to 10 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains chlorophyll A at a concentration and / or amount that is 1.5 to 8 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains chlorophyll A at least twice as high as that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains chlorophyll A at least 4 times as high as that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains chlorophyll A at least 5 times as high as that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A in the plant of the present invention is 15 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A in the plant of the present invention is 12 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A in the plant of the present invention is 10 times higher than that of the control plant.

[0028] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 2.6 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains 1.2 to 12 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2.5 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2.0 times the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B in the plant of the present invention is 12 times the concentration and / or amount compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B in the plant of the present invention is 10 times the concentration and / or amount compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll B in the plant of the present invention is 8 times the concentration and / or amount compared to the control plant.

[0029] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains lutein at a concentration and / or amount that is 2-12 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains lutein at a concentration and / or amount that is 1.5, 1.8, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains lutein at a concentration and / or amount that is 3-8 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention contains lutein at a concentration and / or amount that is 1.5 times higher than that of the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention comprises at least 2-fold the concentration and / or amount of lutein compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention comprises 2.5-fold the concentration and / or amount of lutein compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of lutein in a plant of the invention is 12-fold compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of lutein in a plant of the invention is 10-fold compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of lutein in a plant of the invention is 8-fold compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of lutein in a plant of the invention is 6-fold compared to a control plant.

[0030] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0, 4.2, 4.4, 4.6, 4.8, 5.0, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5, 7.0, 7.5, 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, 9.5, or 10.0 times the concentration and / or amount of beta carotene compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 1.2 to 18 times the concentration and / or amount of beta carotene compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 1.7 times the concentration and / or amount of beta carotene compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2 times the concentration and / or amount of beta carotene compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention comprises 2.5 times the concentration and / or amount of beta-carotene as compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of beta-carotene in a plant of the invention is 12 times as high as a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of beta-carotene in a plant of the invention is 10 times as high as a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of beta-carotene in a plant of the invention is 8 times as high as a control plant.

[0031] In another embodiment, the carotenoid is zeaxanthin. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 1.2-25 times the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the carotenoid is zeaxanthin. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 times the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 10 times the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2 times the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 12 times the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin compared to the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 45 times higher than the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 40 times higher than the control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of zeaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 25 times higher than the control plant.

[0032] In another embodiment, the carotenoid is violaxanthin. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises a 1.2-fold to 50-fold concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the carotenoid is violaxanthin. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises a 20-fold to 50-fold concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the carotenoid is violaxanthin. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises a 15-fold to 45-fold concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60 or 70 times the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin as compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 1.5 times the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin as compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 1.8 times the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin as compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention comprises at least 2-fold higher concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 12-fold higher compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 10-fold higher compared to a control plant. In another embodiment, the upper limit of the concentration and / or amount of violaxanthin in a plant of the present invention is 8-fold higher compared to a control plant.

[0033] In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 0.2-20% lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 0.2-10% lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 0.5-5% w / w or v / v lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 0.5-4% lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 1-2% lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 1.1-1.8% lutein of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals.

[0034] In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 20-50% w / w or v / v beta-carotene of the total pigment content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 25-50% w / w or v / v beta-carotene of the total pigment content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 30-45% w / w or v / v beta-carotene of the total pigment content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 35-45% w / w or v / v beta-carotene of the total pigment content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant or flower of the present invention contains 39-45% w / w or v / v beta-carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals.

[0035] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll A in the petals at 10-40% w / w or v / v of the total pigment content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll A in the petals at 15-40% w / w or v / v of the total pigment content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll A in the petals at 20-35% w / w or v / v of the total pigment content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll A in the petals at 22-30% w / w or v / v of the total pigment content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll A in the petals at 22-28% w / w or v / v of the total pigment content.

[0036] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll B in the petals at 5-25% w / w or v / v of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll B in the petals at 5-20% w / w or v / v of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll B in the petals at 8-15% w / w or v / v of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains chlorophyll B in the petals at 9-14% w / w or v / v of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content.

[0037] In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains 5-40% w / w or v / v α-tocopherol of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains 5-30% w / w or v / v α-tocopherol of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains 8-30% w / w or v / v α-tocopherol of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant of the present invention or its flower contains 9-27% w / w or v / v α-tocopherol of the total pigment and / or carotenoid content in the petals.

[0038] In another embodiment, at least 5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 7.5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, or 50% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is not white. In another embodiment, at least 12% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 13% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 15% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 20% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 25% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 30% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, at least 40% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​a flower (plant of the invention) having an altered phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, 10%-99% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​a flower (plant of the invention) having an altered phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange.In another embodiment, 20%-70% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​a flower (plant of the present invention) having an altered phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, 40%-80% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​a flower (plant of the present invention) having an altered phenotype is green, yellow, and / or orange. In another embodiment, "one petal" includes multiple petals or all petals in a single flower. In another embodiment, "flower surface area" is the total surface area of ​​all petals in a single flower. In another embodiment, "flower surface area" is the total surface area of ​​all petals in all flowers in a single plant of the present invention.

[0039] In another embodiment, at least 5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 7.5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 10% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 12% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 13% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 15% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 20% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 25% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 30% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 40% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, 10% to 99% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, 10% to 70% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, 20% to 50% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, 10% to 30% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is white. In another embodiment, at least 5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area of ​​the flower (plant of the present invention) having the modified phenotype is yellow.

[0040] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for screening and / or selecting and / or identifying Gypsophila plants for the ability to produce progeny and / or descendants having an altered floral phenotype, wherein the flowers having the altered phenotype comprise an elevated concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof, and the elevated amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof in a control plant or control Gypsophila (such as defined herein). and (b) contacting each cut flower from the Gypsophila plant with an aqueous solution and a composition comprising 10-100 mg / l gibberellic acid (GA) for at least one day or at least two days, wherein flowers exhibiting petals having a cream and / or yellow color as opposed to white are selected and / or identified as having an altered phenotype and / or as containing an elevated concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoid, pigment, lutein, β-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof.

[0041] In another embodiment, the progeny of the parent plant selected by the methods described herein is a direct progeny (F1 generation) of the parent plant. In another embodiment, the progeny of the parent plant is produced sexually or asexually. In another embodiment, the progeny is derived from one or more plants (produced sexually or asexually) having elevated amounts of chlorophyll, pigments, carotenoids, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the progeny of the parent plant selected by the methods described herein is obtained by further crossing of the direct progeny progeny (F1 crossing, also referred to as indirect progeny of P (parent)). In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype is the result of 2-50 crosses of progeny resulting from the parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype is the result of 2-10 crosses of progeny resulting from the parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype is the result of 20-50 crosses of progeny resulting from the parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype is the result of 12-30 crosses of progeny resulting from the parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant having an altered floral phenotype is the result of 5-25 crosses of progeny arising from the parent plants.

[0042] In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype is the 2nd to 50th generation of P (parent). In another embodiment, the plant with the modified floral phenotype obtained in the 2nd to 50th generation of P (parent) is called an indirect progeny. In another embodiment, the indirect progeny is a product of propagation or sexual reproduction that arises from or is derived from one or more plants having elevated amounts of chlorophyll, pigments, carotenoids, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, the indirect progeny is a product of propagation or sexual reproduction that arises from or is derived from one or more plants of the invention that are not the one or more parent plants.

[0043] In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant generated directly or indirectly from a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant generated directly or indirectly from a parent Gypsophila plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant generated directly or indirectly from a Gypsophila plant having a modified floral phenotype as described herein. In another embodiment, the progeny is an F1-F100,000 of a parent Gypsophila plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is an F1-F100,000 of a Gypsophila plant having a modified floral phenotype as described herein. In another embodiment, the progeny is an F1-F1000 of a Gypsophila plant having a modified floral phenotype as described herein. In another embodiment, the progeny is an F1-F50 of a Gypsophila plant having a modified floral phenotype as described herein.

[0044] In another embodiment, the progeny is an asexual progeny of a parent plant. In another embodiment, the progeny is an asexual progeny of a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is a vegetative progeny of a parent plant. In another embodiment, the progeny is a vegetative progeny of a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is an asexual progeny of another progeny produced by sexual reproduction. In another embodiment, the progeny or plant of the invention is produced by vegetative propagation or propagation. In another embodiment, the progeny is a propagation product of a parent. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention or a part of a plant of the invention is a propagation product of a parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention or a part of a plant of the invention is a clonal propagation product of a parent plant. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention or a part of a plant of the invention is also a propagation product of a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention is any propagation product derived from a parent plant or a plant described herein. In another embodiment, the plant of the invention is a clonal propagation product derived from a parent plant or a plant described herein.

[0045] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for screening and / or selecting and / or identifying a Gypsophila parent plant capable of generating a Gypsophila progeny plant characterized by an altered flower phenotype, wherein the flower having the altered phenotype comprises an elevated concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof, and the elevated amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof is greater than or equal to the elevated amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof in a control plant or control Gypsophila (such as those defined herein). and (b) contacting each cut flower of a Gypsophila plant with a composition comprising an aqueous solution and 10-100 mg / l gibberellic acid (GA) (the selection composition) for at least one day, wherein flowers exhibiting petals having a cream and / or yellow color as opposed to white are selected and / or identified as having an altered phenotype and / or as containing an elevated concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoid, pigment, lutein, β-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof.

[0046] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for screening, selecting, identifying, or any combination thereof, a population of Gypsophila plants for a parent generation of Gypsophila plants capable of generating progeny plants having flowers with a modified phenotype, wherein the flowers with the modified phenotype comprise an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, the elevated amount of chlorophyll A being at least 1.2 times the concentration of chlorophyll A compared to the concentration of chlorophyll A in a control Gypsophila plant, the method comprising: (a) preparing cut flowers from each of the parent generations of Gypsophila plants; and (b) contacting each cut flower from each of the parent generations of Gypsophila plants with a composition comprising water, 10-50 mg / L gibberellic acid, and 5-20 mg / L benzyladenine for at least two days, wherein flowers expressing petals that are yellow, cream, or any combination thereof as opposed to white are selected as the parent generation of Gypsophila plants capable of generating progeny plants having flowers with the modified phenotype.

[0047] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method for screening a population of Gypsophila plants for the presence of individual plants having an altered floral phenotype, the flowers having the altered phenotype comprising at least 1.2 times the amount and / or concentration of carotenoids and / or pigments compared to the amount and / or concentration of the same carotenoids and / or pigments in a control plant (control Gypsophila flower), the method comprising: (a) preparing cut flowers from the individual plants; and (b) contacting each cut flower with an aqueous solution and a composition comprising 5-80 mg / l gibberellic acid for at least 1 day, wherein flowers expressing petals having a cream and / or yellow color as opposed to white are selected and / or identified as having the altered floral phenotype. In another embodiment, the method for screening is a method for selecting.

[0048] In another embodiment, there is provided a method for screening a population of gypsophila parent plants capable of generating progeny plants having an altered floral phenotype, wherein the flowers having the altered phenotype comprise at least 1.2 times the amount and / or concentration of carotenoids and / or pigments compared to the amount and / or concentration of the same carotenoids and / or pigments in a control plant (control gypsophila flower), comprising: (a) preparing cut flowers from a library of gypsophila plants; and (b) contacting each cut flower with a composition comprising an aqueous solution and 5-80 mg / l gibberellic acid for at least one day, wherein flowers expressing petals having a cream and / or yellow color as opposed to white are selected and / or identified as parent plants capable of generating progeny plants having an altered floral phenotype. In another embodiment, the method for screening is a method for selecting.

[0049] In another embodiment, the Gypsophila parent plant capable of producing progeny plants with an altered floral phenotype does not have an altered floral phenotype, hi another embodiment, the Gypsophila parent plant capable of producing progeny plants with an altered floral phenotype can be identified with the compositions described herein.

[0050] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype comprises the presence in the plant of elevated (at least 1.2-fold compared to a control plant) concentrations and / or amounts of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype comprises the presence in the flower or petals of the plant of elevated (at least 1.2-fold compared to a control plant) concentrations and / or amounts of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof.

[0051] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of lutein at 15-70% of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of lutein at 25-50% of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of lutein at 25-35% of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers.

[0052] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of 10-55% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of 20-45% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of 20-35% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of 25-50% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by the presence of 20-30% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers.

[0053] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 7% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 10% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 20% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 30% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over at least 40% of the petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0054] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on 10%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on 40%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on 20%-80% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on 50%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on 75%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 85%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 40%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 50%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0055] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 2.5% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 5% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 7% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 15% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 20% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 30% of their petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0056] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on between 2.5% and 80% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on between 2.5% and 50% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on between 5% and 40% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on between 5% and 40% of their petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color on between 10% and 30% of their petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0057] In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a white color over 85%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 40%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, having an altered floral phenotype is further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 50%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0058] In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 1.4-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 1.5-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 1.8-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 2-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 2.5-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 2.8-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 3-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 3.5-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 4-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 4.5-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold increase is at least 5-fold.

[0059] In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.2 to 20-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.2 to 18-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.5 to 20-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.2 to 15-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.2 to 12-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.5 to 10-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 2 to 10-fold. In another embodiment, the at least 1.2-fold is 1.5 to 8-fold.

[0060] In another embodiment, the composition of the present invention containing an aqueous solution contains water and 10 to 100 mg / L gibberellic acid. In another embodiment, the composition containing an aqueous solution contains water and 10 to 100 mg / L gibberellic acid. In another embodiment, the composition containing an aqueous solution contains water and 12 to 50 mg / L gibberellic acid. In another embodiment, the composition containing an aqueous solution contains water and 10 to 30 mg / L gibberellic acid. In another embodiment, the composition containing an aqueous solution contains water and 20 to 50 mg / L gibberellic acid. In another embodiment, the composition containing an aqueous solution contains water and 15 to 50 mg / L gibberellic acid.

[0061] In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 1-100 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 5-80 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 5-50 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 5-20 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 10-25 mg / l benzyladenine. In another embodiment, the composition comprising the aqueous solution described herein further comprises 15-45 mg / l benzyladenine.

[0062] In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is at least 30 hours. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is at least 2 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is at least 3 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is at least 4 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is at least 5 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is 1 to 10 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is 1 to 7 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is 2 to 10 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is 2 to 5 days. In another embodiment, the phrase "at least one day" is 3 to 7 days.

[0063] In another embodiment, the present invention provides a plant or progeny of one or more parent plants as described herein characterized as comprising an elevated concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof, wherein the elevated amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof is at least 1.2-fold the concentration and / or amount of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof in a control plant or control Gypsophila (such as defined herein). The presence of an elevated concentration and / or amount (at least 1.2-fold compared to a control plant) of chlorophyll A, chlorophyll B, xanthophyll, carotenoids, pigments, lutein, beta-carotene, antheraxanthin, zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, or any combination thereof in a plant or in the flowers of a plant, as described herein. In another embodiment, the "flower of a plant" includes one or more petals for a flower.

[0064] In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant derived from or produced by a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant part derived from a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is a plant whose ancestor, its parent or its "P generation" is a plant of the invention. In another embodiment, the progeny is in the form of a twig. In another embodiment, the progeny or plant part is in the form of a shoot. In another embodiment, the progeny or plant part is in the form of a cutting. In another embodiment, the progeny or plant part is in the form of a cutting. In another embodiment, the progeny or plant part is in the form of a seed.

[0065] In another embodiment, a "plant part" is any part or organ of a plant described herein. In another embodiment, a "progeny part" is any part or organ of a progeny of a plant described herein. In another embodiment, a plant is a "plant part".

[0066] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny is a Gypsophila having the modified phenotype and favorable characteristics described herein. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny is further characterized by the presence of 15-70% lutein of the total carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny is further characterized by the presence of 25-50% lutein of the total carotenoid content in the petals. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny is further characterized by the presence of 25-35% lutein of the total carotenoid content in the petals.

[0067] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by the presence of 10-55% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. The plant and / or progeny are further characterized by the presence of 20-45% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by the presence of 20-35% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. The plant and / or progeny are further characterized by the presence of 25-50% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by the presence of 20-30% beta carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals or flowers.

[0068] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 5% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 7% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 10% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 20% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 30% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color on at least 40% of the petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0069] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 10%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 40%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 20%-80% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 50%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 75%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 85%-100% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 40%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a green, yellow, and / or orange color over 50%-90% of the petal surface area or flower surface area.

[0070] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 2.5% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 5% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 7% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 15% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 20% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color on at least 30% of their petal surface area.

[0071] In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color over 2.5%-80% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color over 2.5%-50% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color over 5%-40% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color over 5%-40% of their petal surface area. In another embodiment, the plant and / or progeny are further characterized by petals having a white color over 10%-30% of their petal surface area.

[0072] In another embodiment, the plants of the present invention are direct descendants of a parent that expresses only petals having a green, yellow, and / or cream color upon contacting the flowers with an aqueous composition comprising 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid for at least one day, as described above.

[0073] In another embodiment, the present invention further provides an aqueous composition comprising 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid as further described herein. In another embodiment, the present invention further provides that the aqueous composition comprising 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid is for selecting plants having elevated amounts of chlorophyll A. In another embodiment, the present invention further provides an aqueous composition comprising 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid that is a selection composition for plants having elevated amounts of pigment(s) and / or carotenoid(s). In another embodiment, the aqueous composition is used to identify and / or select parent plants as described herein.

[0074] In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 2% to 100% of the petal surface area. In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 2% to 100% of the petal surface area during the flowering stage or when the buds are closed. In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 2% to 80% of the petal surface area. In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 5% to 75% of the petal surface area. In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 10% to 50% of the petal surface area. In another embodiment, the petals having a yellow / green / orange color are petals having a yellow / green / orange color on 20% to 70% of the petal surface area.

[0075] In another embodiment, the flower at bud closure has dormant buds. In another embodiment, the flower at bud closure has a tight bud. In another embodiment, the flower at bud closure is in the bud expansion stage. In another embodiment, the flower at bud closure includes early green tips. In another embodiment, the bud closure is prior to bud opening. In another embodiment, the bud closure is prior to flowering.

[0076] In another embodiment, the flower is semi-double, which is a flower with two or more rows of petals and a clearly defined center by the eye. In another embodiment, the flower type is double, which is a flower with several rows of petals and an invisible center. In another embodiment, the flower is double-multiflora, which is a flower with several rows of petals, an invisible center, and expressing a young bud located in the center of the flower. In another embodiment, the flower is smaller than 4 mm (diameter). In another embodiment, the flower is smaller than 5 mm (diameter). In another embodiment, the flower is 2 mm to 10 mm (diameter). In another embodiment, the flower is 4 mm to 10 mm (diameter). In another embodiment, the flower has a diameter of 4 to 8 mm. In another embodiment, the flower is 4 mm to 18 mm (diameter). In another embodiment, the flower is 6 mm to 15 mm (diameter).

[0077] In some embodiments, the present invention is based on the unexpected discovery of compositions of the present invention that can distinguish plants of the present invention and / or parent plants and control plants. These essential characteristics in the parent plants (petals with yellow / light yellow / cream color in the parent plants) cannot be detected by the naked eye without contacting the cut flowers or cuttings with the selection compositions described herein.

[0078] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a therapeutic agent" includes reference to two or more therapeutic agents.

[0079] Unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, the term "or" as used herein is understood to be inclusive.

[0080] The term "including" is used herein to mean, and is used interchangeably with, the phrase "including but not limited to."

[0081] In one embodiment, the terms "comprise," "comprising," "containing," and "having," etc., have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law and can mean "include" and "including," etc. "Consisting essentially of" or "consisting essentially of" likewise have the meaning ascribed to them in U.S. Patent Law and the terms exclude, without limitation, prior art embodiments, contemplating the presence of more than what is recited, unless the basic or novel characteristics of what is recited are altered by the presence of more than what is recited. In another embodiment, the term "comprising" includes the term "consisting."

[0082] In another embodiment, any reference to "%" is weight / weight %, volume / volume %, or weight / volume %.

[0083] Unless otherwise stated or clear from the context, the term "about" as used herein is understood to mean within the normal tolerance in the art, for example, within two standard deviations of the mean. About can be understood to mean within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the specified value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term about.

[0084] Additional objects, advantages, and novel features of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following examples, which are not intended to be limiting. Moreover, each of the various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as delineated above and as claimed below is found experimentally supported in the following examples.

[0085] Working Example definition Flower types:Single: A flower with one row of petals.Semi-double: A flower with two or more rows of petals and a clearly defined center.Double: A flower with several rows of petals and an invisible center.Double-multiflora: A flower with several rows of petals, an invisible center, and the emergence of a young bud in the center of the flower.

[0086] Flower size: small - smaller than 5mm, medium - 6-9mm, large - 9-12mm, XL - larger than 12mm.

[0087] Flower development stages: 1-closed flower bud, 2-pre-opening flower, 3-opening flower

[0088] Example 1: Selection strategy for carotenoids / pigments and shelf life of Gypsophila paniculata Efforts to combine specific color pattern traits with other desirable polygenic traits in Gypsophila paniculata have been prohibitively time-consuming and laborious, however, as described herein, the inventors have derived novel flower colors and / or flower color patterns.

[0089] Origin and breeding history of the green petal trait in Gypsophila Crossing and selection directly leading to green petaled Gypsophila plants was performed according to the following description.

[0090] Vase-life evaluation of stems was routinely performed in the process of selecting new varieties of cut flowers. Preservative solutions are generally necessary to provide an energy source, reduce microbial growth and vascular blockage, increase stem water uptake, and stop the negative effects of ethylene (Nigussie, 2005). The incorporation of different chemical preservatives into the holding (vase) solution is recommended to extend the vase-life of cut flowers (Ichimura et al., 2006). Therefore, alternative techniques to extend the vase-life of cut flowers are of commercial interest (Serek et al., 1995).

[0091] In February 2006, in a different experiment to extend the shelf life of cut flowers, the researchers increased the general GA concentration from 5mg / l to 10mg / l up to 25mg / l and further added 10mg / l BA (benzyladenine) to this solution. Unexpectedly, under the conditions of the new cut flower solution (also described as selection composition), a new variety was discovered - a plant with cream and / or pale yellow petals. However, after incubating various cut flowers from various plants in this new selection composition / selection composition for 2 days, a very low percentage of the population was found to express green / yellow / cream petals, and this variety was selected as the parent plant. Plant 4016 was discovered in an F1 hybrid population of white Gypsophila breeding lines derived from open and self pollination.

[0092] Selections for green and / or yellow flower color were initially performed on female plants in populations resulting from open and self-pollination of 4016. After several generations between 2006 and 2010, these selections resulted in eight lines, described as 5209, 5210, 5211, 5212, 5213 and 5453.

[0093] Plants 5209 and 5210 were selected in 2009, 5209 characterized by cream-light green (at flowering) double flowers and 5210 characterized by greenish (at flowering) double flowers.

[0094] Plants 5211, 5212 and 5210 were also selected in 2009 (but in different field locations) with 5211 characterized by double flowers with a green center and a creamy pale green color (at flowering), 5212 characterized by double flowers with a pale green center and a cream color (at flowering) and 5213 characterized by double flowers that are pale green (at flowering). Plant 5453 was selected in 2009 with 5209 characterized by double flowers that are pale yellow-green (at flowering).

[0095] A description of the morphological characteristics of Gypsophila plants selected as having green petals is presented in Table 1. As shown in Table 1, column 1 shows the number assigned to each hybrid, column 2 shows the flower size (S-small, M-medium, L-large), column 3 shows the flower type (SM-semi-double, D-double, DM-double-multiple), and columns 4-6 show the description of flower color through developmental stages (RHS 2007). Table 1 [Table 1]

[0096] Example 2: Analysis of pigments in Gypsophila plants Flowers from several Gypsophila plants produced according to the present teachings were subjected to pigment analysis.

[0097] plant material Flowers for isoprenoid extraction were collected from flowering plants in August 2013, and the plants were planted in an open field in March 2013. The plants were grown as follows: planting density was 6 plants per m2 bed, plants were pinched 4 weeks after planting, and sprayed with 400 ppm gibberellic acid 6 weeks after planting.

[0098] Isoprenoid extraction and analysis Isoprenoid extraction was performed as previously described by Fraser et al. (2000) and Bino et al. (2005) with minor modifications: frozen Gypsophila flower powder (0.1 g) was extracted with 0.5 ml of methanol containing 0.1% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The samples were shaken for 5 min, then 0.5 ml of a mixture Tris-HCl buffer pH 7.5 (50 mM) was added (containing 1 M NaCl) and the samples were shaken for 10 min. 0.4 ml of cold chloroform + 0.1% BHT was added, followed by shaking for 10 min. The samples were centrifuged for 15 min (4500 rpm). The chloroform phase was collected, whereupon the aqueous phase of the sample was re-extracted with 0.2 ml of the cold chloroform mixture, then the chloroform fractions were combined and dried under a stream of N2. The dry residue was resuspended in 0.1 ml ethyl acetate, vortexed, filtered through a 0.45 μM 4 mm PTFE membrane filter and collected for analysis. Extracts were kept at 4°C and protected from strong light during the entire preparation. An HPLC system consisting of a Waters 2690 separation module (Waters Chromatography, Milford, MA, USA), Waters 2996 photodiode array detector and Waters 470 scanning fluorescence detector YMC-Pack reversed phase C30 column (250×4.6 mm; 5 μm) connected to a 4×3 mm C18 guard (Phenomenex) and maintained at 30°C was used for separation of the compounds. Mobile phase composition, gradient and flow rate were as described by Fraser et al. (2000). The UV spectrum was monitored from 200 nm to 750 nm and the fluorescence detector was set for excitation at 296 nm and emission at 340 nm. Data were collected and analyzed using Waters Millennium 32 software. The absorbance spectra and retention times of the eluted peaks were compared with those of commercially available isoprenoid standards: α-tocopherol (Aldrich), beta-carotene (Sigma), lutein (Fluka): zeaxanthin, violaxanthin, antheraxanthin (Apin). The peak areas of the compounds were determined at the wavelength providing maximum absorbance.

[0099] Compound concentrations were calculated based on standard curves using three known concentrations of commercial standards: α-tocopherol (Aldrich), beta-carotene (Sigma), lutein (Fluka), zeaxanthin, and violaxanthin (Apin) (see table of results).

[0100] result The results of the isoprenoid analysis are presented below in Table 2 and summarized in Figure 1. Floral pleats at different developmental stages: 1-closed flower buds, 2-pre-flowering flowers, 3-flowering flowers were collected, extracted and analyzed using HPLC. Green Gypsophila cultivars show increased levels of chlorophyll, carotenoids and α-tocopherol at different flower developmental stages compared to white flowering Gypsophila.

[0101] Analysis of isoprenoid content in petals of two Gypsophila cultivars with green flower color (5210 and 5212) in comparison with the commercially known white-flowering Gypsophila cultivar Million Stars (MS) revealed similar expression patterns of pigment and carotenoid accumulation peaks in closed flower buds (Table 2, Figure 1).

[0102] Beta-carotene, chlorophyll A and chlorophyll B were identified as the major pigments in the petals of the Gypsophila cultivars tested. Pigment analysis showed that the concentration ratios of beta-carotene in cultivars 5210 and 5212 were 4.1 and 2.9 (henceforth) higher at the flowering stage (stage 3), 3.5 and 3.8 higher at the pre-flowering flowers (stage 2), and 3.2 and 2.6 higher at the closed flower buds (stage 1) compared to MS, respectively. The ratios of chlorophyll A in cultivars 5210 and 5212 were 4.2 and 3 times higher at the flowering stage (stage 3), 3.3 and 3.5 times higher at the pre-flowering flowers (stage 2), and 3.1 and 2.5 times higher at the closed flower buds (stage 1), respectively, compared to MS. The ratios of chlorophyll B in cultivars 5210 and 5212 were 5.3 and 3.9 higher at the anthesis stage (stage 3), 3.7 and 4.2 higher in pre-anthesis flowers (stage 2), and 3.4 and 2.9 higher in closed flower buds (stage 1) compared to MS, respectively. The carotenoids identified in Gypsophila petals were lutein, b-carotene, biorexanthin, and zeaxanthin. The major pigments were beta-carotene and chlorophyll A, which accounted for about 39-45% and 22-28%, respectively, of the total pigment content in the petals of the cultivars tested. The pigments chlorophyll B, α-tocopherol, and lutein accounted for about 9-14%, 9-27%, and 1-2%, respectively, of the total pigment content in the petals of the cultivars tested. In Gypsophila MS, α-tocopherol was identified as the third pigment, accounting for 16-27% of the total pigment content, while in the green cultivars 5210 and 5212, α-tocopherol was identified as the fourth pigment (chlorophyll B was third), accounting for 9-14% of the total pigment content. Small amounts of biorexanthin and zeaxanthin were also identified.

[0103] The proportion of α-tocopherol in cultivars 5210 and 5212 was 1.4- and 1.3-fold higher at the anthesis stage (stage 3), 1.5- and 2-fold higher in pre-anthesis flowers (stage 2), and 1.7- and 1.6-fold higher in closed flower buds (stage 1), respectively, compared to MS.

[0104] The proportion of lutein in cultivars 5210 and 5212 was 7 and 4.2 times higher at the anthesis stage (stage 3), 5.2 and 4.9 times higher in pre-anthesis flowers (stage 2), and 4 and 3 times higher in closed flower buds (stage 1), respectively, compared to MS.

[0105] The proportions of biorexanthin in cultivars 5210 and 5212 were 49.1 and 19.4 times higher at the flowering stage (stage 3), 16.3 and 8 times higher in pre-flowering flowers (stage 2), and 4.6 and 1.8 times higher in closed flower buds (stage 1), respectively, compared to MS.

[0106] The proportions of zeaxanthin in cultivars 5210 and 5212 were 45.3 and 29.4 times higher at the anthesis stage (stage 3), 113.3 and 124.7 times higher in pre-anthesis flowers (stage 2), and 11.1 and 13 times higher in closed flower buds (stage 1), respectively, compared to MS. Table 2 [Table 2]

[0107] In conclusion, all Gypsophila paniculata or any Gypsophila hybrids on the market have monochromatic petals that are white or pale pink. The present invention provides for the development of the first Gypsophila cultivars with unique color schemes, including, for example, green, cream, and yellow / green / orange and / or multicolored petals.

[0108] From these introductions, and using breeding methods, the inventors can introduce new colors and / or multicolors by crossing these Gypsophila plants with pink varieties.

Claims

1. 1. A method for screening a population of G. paniculata plants for a parent generation of G. paniculata plants capable of producing progeny plants having flowers with an altered phenotype, said flowers having an altered phenotype comprising an elevated amount of beta-carotene, said elevated amount of beta-carotene being at least two times the beta-carotene concentration as compared to the beta-carotene concentration in flowers of the G. paniculata cultivar Million Stars (M.S.), said flowers having an altered phenotype and said Million Stars (M.S.) flowers being at the same developmental stage and cut in the same month; (a) preparing cut flowers from individual parent generations of Gypsophila paniculata plants; and (b) contacting each cut flower from each parent generation of Gypsophila paniculata plants with a composition comprising water, 10-50 mg / l gibberellic acid, and 5-20 mg / l benzyladenine for at least two days; wherein flowers expressing petals that are cream, yellow, or a combination thereof as opposed to white are selected as parent generations of Gypsophila plants capable of generating progeny plants having flowers with the modified phenotype.

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the Gypsophila paniculata is in a flowering stage or in a bud-closed stage.

3. The flower having the altered phenotype further comprises an elevated amount of chlorophyll A, an elevated amount of chlorophyll B, an elevated amount of beta-carotene, an elevated amount of zeaxanthin, an elevated amount of violaxanthin, or any combination thereof, wherein the elevated amount of chlorophyll A is at least twice the chlorophyll A concentration as compared to the chlorophyll A concentration in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage, and the elevated amount of chlorophyll B is at least twice the chlorophyll B concentration as compared to the chlorophyll B concentration in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage, and the beta-carotene is at least twice the chlorophyll B concentration as compared to the chlorophyll B concentration in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage, and the elevated amount of chlorophyll B is at least twice the chlorophyll B concentration as compared to the chlorophyll B concentration in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage, and the elevated amount of beta-carotene ....

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the elevated amount of zeaxanthin is at least 10 times the concentration of zeaxanthin compared to the concentration of zeaxanthin in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage, and the elevated amount of violaxanthin is at least 1.5 times the concentration of violaxanthin compared to the concentration of violaxanthin in flowers of Gypsophila sativa cultivar Million Stars (M.S.) at the flowering or bud closing stage.

4. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the flower having the altered phenotype comprises 0.5-4% lutein of the total carotenoid content in the petals, 30-50% beta-carotene of the total carotenoid content in the petals, or a combination thereof.

5. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least 15% of the petal surface area of ​​a flower having the altered phenotype is green, yellow, orange, or any combination thereof, or at least 10% of the petal surface area of ​​a flower having the altered phenotype is white, yellow, or both.

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