Temperature-Responsive FPF1 Homologs Regulate Floral Transition in Saffron
Sukriti1,2, Joel Jose-Santhi1,2, Diksha Kumari1
1Plant Adaptation and Developmental Biology Lab, Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, Palampur, India.
Physiologia Plantarum
|April 15, 2026
Summary
Researchers identified two FLOWERING PROMOTING FACTOR 1 (FPF1)-like genes, CsatFPF1.1 and CsatFPF1.2, crucial for saffron
Area of Science:
- Plant Molecular Biology
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
Background:
- Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is a valuable crop, but its temperature-dependent flowering mechanisms are poorly understood.
- Flowering in thermoperiodic plants is regulated by environmental cues, primarily temperature.
- Molecular insights into saffron's floral induction are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and functionally characterize key genes regulating temperature-mediated floral induction in saffron.
- To elucidate the molecular pathways controlling saffron flowering time.
- To provide targets for improving saffron yield and adaptability.
Main Methods:
- Gene identification and characterization of CsatFPF1.1 and CsatFPF1.2.
- Analysis of gene expression patterns in saffron floral meristems.
- Functional validation using ectopic expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) in saffron.
Main Results:
- Two FLOWERING PROMOTING FACTOR 1 (FPF1)-like genes, CsatFPF1.1 and CsatFPF1.2, were identified as key thermoresponsive regulators.
- These genes show conserved motifs, nuclear localization, and flower meristem-specific expression, upregulated under high temperatures.
- Ectopic expression induced early flowering in Arabidopsis, while VIGS suppressed flowering in saffron, confirming their essential roles.
- CsatFPF1.1 and CsatFPF1.2 positively regulate flowering by modulating FT gene expression in both species.
Conclusions:
- CsatFPF1.1 and CsatFPF1.2 are essential positive regulators of floral initiation in saffron, mediating temperature responses.
- This study provides the first in planta functional validation of flowering regulators in saffron.
- The findings offer valuable genetic targets for enhancing saffron's yield and climate adaptability.
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