A method of transforming a carnation (Dianthus L.) plant genome with a DNA
molecule. The method comprises (a) preparing stem explants from carnation
cuttings; (b) wounding the explants by microprojectile bombardment; (c)
cocultivating the wounded explants with Agrobacterium comprising the DNA
molecule under defined conditions of exposure to dark followed by light;
(d) excising shoots from the cultivated wounded explants and removing the
leaves from the shoots; and (e) culturing the leaves to obtain transgenic
shoots transformed with the DNA molecule. Also disclosed are a
rolC-transgenic carnation with improved agronomic traits and enhancement
of flower fragrance by antisense suppression of the flavonoid gene fht.