About this Research Topic
How these signals are integrated in genetics networks to control flowering occurrence and timing has been intensively studied in the annual model plant species Arabidopsis thaliana. However, there are specific biological questions that can only be addressed using tree species as models. For example, in many fruit trees, flower initiation can be strongly limited by an excessive crop, a phenomenon known as biennial (or alternate) bearing. Biennial bearing is therefore a decisive phenomenon for production in several tree species, as for example apple, pear, citrus, olive, mango, apricot and avocado. High quality genome sequence obtained for perennial tree species such as poplar and apple have recently opened new avenues to a deeper molecular characterization of the particular flowering phenology in trees. In addition, mathematical models able to capture the complexity of these processes have been developed. Altogether, these new tools are allowing a rapid progress towards an increased understanding of the control of flowering in trees. Moreover, in the context of the global climate change, this knowledge brings new breeding opportunities to obtain tree cultivars better adapted to the expected warmer temperatures.
In this Research Topic collection, we aim to gather articles covering the recent advances in genetic and molecular control of flowering phenology and modelling in trees. More specifically, we will pull together original and review papers focused on the following topics:
- Juvenility to adult phase change
- Floral induction and alternate bearing
- Bud dormancy and bud burst
- Modelling of tree growth and development
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.