Pitcher plant research. Plant biotechnology researchers making observations of pitcher plants in a greenhouse. They are noting the characteristics of different Nepenthes plants. Nepenthes is a genus of carnivorous plants known as pitcher plants. Data recorded includes the number of pitchers (small one at upper left), their volume, and the culture conditions. This research involves genetic modification of Nepenthes plants to produce recombinant proteins. Photographed in the Montet botany garden, in Villers les Nancy, France. This research is being carried out for PATsas, a French biotechnology company.