Current Understanding of the Vernalization-mediated Floral Transition Process in Arabidopsis and Several Brassica Crop Plants

抄録

Vernalization is a process in which plants achieve the competence to flower in the upcoming spring through exposure to long-term cold like winter. Unlike cold acclimation (short-term cold stimulus), vernalization is not immediately triggered by exposure to temporary low temperature. It seems likely that vernalization is triggered by low temperatures during winter that set up stable changes that last until the upcoming spring when they trigger floral transition. Over several decades, extensive studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the vernalization-mediated floral transition process using Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) model plants, as well as crop plants. Comprehensive knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying vernalization-mediated floral transitions in the model plant Arabidopsis has helped us explore and reveal the molecular mechanisms controlling floral transitions in other plants, especially Brassica crops. This review highlights the current understanding of the molecular characteristics underlying vernalization-mediated flowering in Arabidopsis, as well as in several horticultural Brassica crop plants.