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Genetic mechanisms underlying temperature-mediated changes in flower development
Roosa A E Laitinen1, Paula Elomaa2
1Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Viikki Plant Science Centre, University of Helsinki, Finland.
None:
Flower morphologies are remarkably diverse in nature, reflecting their specialized role in plant reproduction. In the context of climate change, understanding the impact of temperature on flower development is essential for predicting plant adaptation to future climates, and improving crop resilience. The genetic basis of flower development is well-understood, but less is known of the impact of environmental variation on floral traits and the genetic mechanisms mediating such responses. This gap in knowledge may stem from the longstanding view that flower development is buffered against environmental influences due to its essential role in fitness. However, growing evidence indicates that floral traits can be environmentally plastic, adjusting in response to factors such as temperature, light, and water availability. This review gathers current knowledge on the temperature effects of floral traits and explores the genes and mechanisms underlying the temperature-mediated changes in flower development. We highlight trait-specific responses and consider the adaptive consequences of temperature-mediated trait variation.
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