Researchers Identify Genetic Changes Responsible for "Plant Puberty"

Researchers from the University of York have identified the genetic changes linked to the developmental change in plants similar to "puberty" at different rates. Their findings, which could control the timing of plant development transition, could lead to better crop nutrition.

The developmental change called the vegetative-to-reproductive transition happens in a few days where plants slow down their leaf growth and develop reproductive organs instead. This physical change is important to farmers and consumers because it starts the process of nutrients in the leaves being diverted into the reproductive organs of the plant and eventually into their fruits and grains. Well-timed plant development means more nutritious food.

To investigate the factors that influence the timing of this transition, the researchers grew Arabidopsis thaliana in conditions where the soil, temperature, humidity, and light were as consistent as possible. In these highly controlled conditions, the plants showed signs of developmental transition on different days. When around half the plants had undergone the transition, the scientists measured the genetic activity of all the plants which were in “puberty”. The researchers identified specific genetic changes that correlated with the timing of this developmental change. They also discovered that plants start the process of killing their leaves even before the scientists saw visible reproductive structures.

For more details, read the article in the University of York News.