Scientists Tinker With Flower Fragrance Genes: Bacon-Scented Roses on the Way?

The next time you stop to smell the roses, you might be shocked to find an unfamiliar odor in place of the allergy-inducing floral bouquet. Scientists at the University of Florida have isolated the 13 genes that key for fragrance in flowers, and have already begun experimenting with how altering these genes affect both odor, and the taste of the fruit that develops later in the plants life cycle.

Lead scientist David Clark and his colleagues are looking to revive the lost scents of blooms that have been bread for other causes, but we can dream of the day when you walk up to your florist and ask for Cherry Vanilla-scented lilies.

The first crop of petunias that smell like roses are set to bloom in Summer of 2010.

(h/t Singularity Hub)