Viagra gives plants a lift

Nitric oxide, the chemical at the heart of the drug's success, could work wonders on the food and flower industries, writes Paul SimonsHe had a hunch that Viagra might work the same magic on plants so he put some into a vase of cut flowers and found they stayed fresh and perky for up to a week longer than usual. Just 2% of the dose needed to treat a bout of male impotence brought a new lease of life to roses, carnations and African daisies."The flowers looked much fresher, their colour remained longer, and they were also much more turgid," reported Leshem. No one is suggesting spraying Viagra over plants to stave off wilt: there could be embarrassing side-effects and the cost would be prohibitive, but there might be cheaper and safer alternatives.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Science Research Higher education Technology UK news Source Type: news