A new study published in the journal Science reveals that prickles on various plants, including roses and certain crops, are linked to an ancient gene family known as Lonely Guy (LOG).

Scientists have identified the gene responsible for the presence of prickles in roses, clarifying that these are distinct from thorns.

The research indicates that the prickles on roses and other plants evolved due to a single gene, demonstrating complex biological processes behind their presence.

Conducted by an international team, the study provides insights into the evolutionary history of prickly plants, which have existed for at least 400 million years.

This discovery opens possibilities for the predictable genetic modification of prickle traits in agricultural and ornamental crops, potentially leading to the development of prickle-free varieties.

Satterlee's research revealed that mutations in LOG genes can lead to the absence of prickles in eggplants, suggesting a broader application of this genetic understanding.

The findings suggest that prickle formation and loss may be linked to LOG-related genes, highlighting a case of convergent evolution across different plant species.

Early farmers likely bred out prickles from wild plants to make them easier to cultivate and consume, which has implications for modern agricultural practices.

Removing prickles could facilitate easier harvesting and increase the marketability of certain fruits, such as desert raisins, which are currently difficult to cultivate due to their prickly nature.

Zachary Lippman, a plant geneticist, studied prickles while researching crops like potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants, which do not have prickles.

Contrary to popular belief, roses possess prickles, which are epidermal outgrowths, rather than thorns that are modified organs like stems or leaves.

Understanding the mechanisms behind trait evolution could also shed light on broader evolutionary questions, enhancing our knowledge of plant biology.