This Research Topic addresses the biology of ornamental plants. We emphasize recent advances made through functional genomic approaches aiming to accelerate breeding and production.

For centuries plants of a broad taxonomical background have been bred and commercialized as ornamentals, mostly because of their flowers. However, until recently genomic analyses of ornamentals remained a challenge mostly because of their huge genome sizes and high ploidy levels. In the last decade increasingly affordable sequencing technologies and powerful bioinformatic approaches resulted in the completing or advancing the genome sequences of orchid Phalaenopsis equestris, Petunia, Chrysanthemum, Rosa chinensis, Christmas tree Picea abies, Columbine Aquilegia coerulea, etc.

The knowledge of ornamental plant genomics will advance our understanding of their biology, and stimulate novel traits and phenotypes in combination with significant biotechnological developments in tissue culture, genetic transformation and implementation of gene editing technologies. This Frontiers Research Topic will present a broad range of innovative approaches to experimentally address the following topics in ornamental species of botanical or horticultural interest:

- Comparative genomics
- Discovery and characterization of novel genes and molecules
- Genetic engineering and genome editing
- Flower initiation and gene regulation
- Reduction of growth period to speed up genetic analysis and production
- Novel traits and their genetic basis, e.g. scent, novel flower colors and shape
- Flower evolution and development
- Application of molecular markers to assist breeding
- Genetic characterization of somaclonal variation and mutants
- Impact of epigenetics in breeding of clonally propagated species
- Stable and transient transformation technology
- Disease resistance
- Symbiosis with mycorrhizal fungi

We particularly welcome Original Research.

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Frontiers in Plant Science

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