Ancient genetic study uncovers the yellow origins of modern roses

[WORLD] While the phrase “roses are red” is a poetic staple, new research suggests that the earliest roses may have been a vibrant yellow.

A comprehensive genetic analysis conducted by scientists from China and the Netherlands has traced the evolutionary history of roses, uncovering surprising insights into their origins. The findings, published in Nature Genetics, are based on genomic comparisons of more than 200 rose varieties, including both wild species and cultivated hybrids.

Roses are among the most widely grown ornamental plants, celebrated for their rich diversity in form and color. This study delves deep into their genetic makeup, offering a clearer picture of how natural evolution and human cultivation have shaped the modern rose.

Despite the modern popularity of red and pink varieties with lush, layered petals, researchers discovered that the rose’s earliest ancestor was likely a simple, single-petaled flower in a yellow hue. Through evolutionary shifts and selective breeding, pigmentation patterns gradually changed, resulting in today’s spectrum of rose colors.

Central to this transformation is the development of anthocyanins—pigments responsible for red and pink tones. The research revealed that as humans selectively bred roses for more vibrant colors, the gene known as CCD4, which produces yellow pigmentation, was progressively downregulated. This genetic shift helps explain the comparative rarity of yellow roses in contemporary horticulture.

The study also provides insight into how rose petal structures evolved. What began as single-petaled blooms resembling wild dog roses have, through centuries of selective breeding, become the full, multi-layered blossoms favored in modern gardens. Researchers attribute this change to aesthetic preferences, which have driven the development of more ornate flower forms.

Beyond tracing rose lineage, the findings have practical significance for plant breeders. By identifying key genes associated with traits like color, scent, and petal arrangement, scientists now have a valuable toolkit for engineering new rose varieties that are both visually stunning and more resilient.

The research also underscores the importance of conserving wild rose species. These ancestral plants hold critical genetic material that could help breeders adapt roses to future challenges, including those posed by climate change and habitat degradation.

Ultimately, the study highlights the profound influence of human cultivation on one of the world’s most iconic flowers, blending the beauty of nature with the precision of modern science.