Regulation of Flowering Time by Environmental Factors in Plants

The timing of floral transition is determined by both endogenous molecular pathways and external environmental conditions. Among these environmental conditions, photoperiod acts as a cue to regulate the timing of flowering in response to seasonal changes. Additionally, it has become clear that various environmental factors also control the timing of floral transition. Environmental factor acts as either a positive or negative signal to modulate the timing of flowering, thereby establishing the optimal flowering time to maximize the reproductive success of plants. This review aims to summarize the effects of environmental factors such as photoperiod, light intensity, temperature changes, vernalization, drought, and salinity on the regulation of flowering time in plants, as well as to further explain the molecular mechanisms that link environmental factors to the internal flowering time regulation pathway.

Automated summary

The timing of floral transition in plants is regulated by both endogenous molecular pathways and external environmental factors. Photoperiod is an important environmental cue which determines the seasonal timing of flowering. In addition, various environmental factors affect the timing of floral transition, with the aim of maximizing reproductive success. This review summarizes the effects of environmental factors, including photoperiod, light intensity, temperature changes, vernalization, drought, and salinity, on the regulation of flowering time in plants, and further explains the molecular mechanisms linking these factors to the internal flowering time regulation pathway.