"Bud to bloom"-hormonal coordination in floral initiation

Hormones have a dominant role in shaping the destiny of plant reproduction. Recent breakthroughs in our understanding of hormone function during floral development have revealed the pivotal roles of cytokinin, gibberellin and auxin. Cytokinin and gibberellin regulate the size and coordination of floral meristems, while auxin and cytokinin take centre stage in initiating and developing organs. In the past decade, remarkable insights have emerged, revealing the dynamic nature of hormonal impacts throughout reproductive development. It has become evident that a complex network, involving multiple plant hormones, orchestrates the success of plant reproduction. Despite substantial cover of certain aspects of plant reproductive development, there remain significant gaps in our understanding of hormonal regulation and the intricate crosstalk between hormones. In this comprehensive review, we delve into current knowledge and address lingering questions regarding hormone-mediated flower development. By arming ourselves with this knowledge, we pave the way for innovative strategies in effective fruit set management and crop improvement.