Abstract
Plant species that have a vernalization requirement exhibit variation in the ability to “remember” winter – i.e., variation in the stability of the vernalized state. Studies in Arabidopsis have demonstrated that molecular memory involves changes in the chromatin state and expression of the flowering repressor FLOWERING LOCUS C, and have revealed that single-gene differences can have large effects on the stability of the vernalized state. In the perennial Arabidopsis relative Arabis alpina, the lack of memory of winter is critical for its perennial life history. Our studies of flowering behavior in the model grass Brachypodium distachyon reveal extensive variation in the vernalization requirement, and studies of a particular Brachypodium accession that has a qualitative requirement for both cold exposure and inductive day length to flower reveal that Brachypodium can exhibit a highly stable vernalized state.
Highlights
Specific timing of flowering is an important adaptive trait that ensures flowering occurs when conditions are favorable
Cold exposure alone is typically not sufficient to induce flowering, but it often must be coupled to an additional inductive cue such as the increasing day lengths experienced during spring and summer months (Lang, 1952)
Satisfying the vernalization requirement often permits flowering after exposure to inductive cues, the key adaptive value of a vernalization requirement is that it prevents flowering in the fall season, ensuring that flowering does not commence as winter begins (Amasino, 2010)
Summary
Specific timing of flowering is an important adaptive trait that ensures flowering occurs when conditions are favorable. CONCEPT OF MEMORY An interesting component of the vernalization response in some plant species is that the acquisition of the ability to flower from cold exposure is mitotically stable after plants resume active growth in warm conditions (Amasino, 2004).
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