China successfully cultivates its first-ever self-illuminating plant

Scientists in southwest China's Yunnan province have successfully cultivated the first-ever self-illuminating plant in the country, reports tech.sina.com.cn.

The self-illuminating plant in the daylight (top) and at night (bottom) [Photo: tech.sina.com.cn]

The plant was developed by introducing the genes of luminous marine-based microorganisms into the cells of Nicotiana benthamiana, a close relative of tobacco, said Duan Kang, leader of the scientific group tasked with developing the glowing plant.

Unlike luminous plants that had been cultivated in the past, which could not glow on their own without an initial shot of energy, the new luminous plant is able to maintain its luminosity without an energy source, said Duan.

Developers of the luminous plant say they are planning to work on increasing the luminosity of the plant, while at the same time, submit the plant to agricultural authorities for the proper environmental safety assessments.

Researchers say self-illuminating plants have a broad application prospect, with the hope of eventually turning into a new source of light for urban areas.