Chronobiology: Researchers identify genes that tell plants when to flower

(Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg) How do plants know when it is time to flower? Researchers at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU) have identified two genes that are key to this process. They were able to show that the ELF3 and GI genes control the internal clock of the plants that monitors the length of daylight and determine when it is the right time to flower. The findings could help to breed plants that are better adapted to their environments.