Epigenetic Regulation of Floral Transition

As an emerging field of life science, epigenetics plays a pivotal role in regulating gene expression. Epigenetic modifications including histone modifications, DNA methylation, chromatin remodeling, non-coding RNAs, and RNA modifications (particularly m⁶A methylation) play crucial roles in fine-tuning plant developmental processes. Among these, floral transition marks a key developmental switch from vegetative to reproductive growth, orchestrated by complex interactions between endogenous signals (such as age and hormones) and environmental cues (such as photoperiod and temperature). Recent advances have uncovered that epigenetic mechanisms act as molecular bridges integrating these signals to ensure flowering occurs under optimal conditions. This review synthesizes the current understanding of epigenetic control in the six canonical flowering pathways-photoperiod, vernalization, autonomous, thermosensory, gibberellin, and age-dependent pathways-with a particular emphasis on the emerging role of m⁶A RNA modification. We also discuss the crosstalk among epigenetic layers and highlight the translational potential of epigenetic engineering in optimizing flowering time and crop adaptation.