Abstract

In temperate and boreal ecosystems, seasonal cycles of growth and dormancy allow perennial plants to adapt to winter conditions. We show, in hybrid aspen trees, that photoperiodic regulation of dormancy is mechanistically distinct from autumnal growth cessation. Dormancy sets in when symplastic intercellular communication through plasmodesmata is blocked by a process dependent on the phytohormone abscisic acid. The communication blockage prevents growth-promoting signals from accessing the meristem. Thus, precocious growth is disallowed during dormancy. The dormant period, which supports robust survival of the aspen tree in winter, is due to loss of access to growth-promoting signals.

Published in

Science
2018, Volume: 360, number: 6385, pages: 212-214
Publisher: AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE

SLU Authors

• Tylewicz, Szymon

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Petterle, Anna

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Marttila, Salla

  • Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Miskolczi, Pal Csaba

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Abdul, Azeez

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • Jain Irrigation Systems Limited

• Singh, Rajesh

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

• Bhalerao, Rishikesh P.

  • Department of Forest Genetics and Plant Physiology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Botany
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aan8576

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/94951