Our research aims to improve the molecular understanding on how cereals optimally coordinate development with the changing seasons and weather and so to support the improvement of climate-robust cultivars. To do this, we have started with responses to temperature and specifically the vernalization response.

In hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) the perception of winter, via a process known as vernalization, enables a longer growing season whilst maintaining the best seasonal flowering, therefore supporting high yield potential. The key genes in this process have been characterised as VERNALIZATION 1-3 however, much remains unknown regarding how the vernalization network forms and responds to environmental signals, especially under field conditions.

I will present molecular genetic characterization of vernalization and wider temperature adaptation network under realistic environmental conditions.

This understanding will enable us to place the vernalization response within broader seasonal regulation of wheat growth and identify how the genes within the network can provide further adaptive responses.