Epigenetic regulation of photoperiodic flowering in plants

In response to changeable season, plants precisely control the initiation of flowering in appropriate time of the year to ensure reproductive success. Day length (photoperiod) acts as the most important external cue to determine flowering time. Epigenetics regulates many major developmental stages in plant life, and emerging molecular genetics and genomics researches reveal their essential roles in floral transition. Here, we summarize the recent advances in epigenetic regulation of photoperiod-mediated flowering in Arabidopsis and rice, and discuss the potential of epigenetic regulation in crops improvement, and give the brief prospect for future study trends.

Automated summary

In response to seasonal changes, plants precisely control flowering initiation to ensure reproductive success. Day length is the key external cue for determining flowering time. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in regulating major developmental stages in plants, including floral transition. This article summarizes recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of photoperiod-mediated flowering in Arabidopsis and rice, discusses the potential of epigenetic regulation in crop improvement, and provides a brief outlook on future research trends.