The evolution of the devernalization response in temperate Pooideae grasses

Presenter's Name(s)

Hannah Shafer

Conference Year

2024

Abstract

Pooideae is a subfamily of temperate grasses that includes many important agricultural species, including wheat, barley, rye, and oat. Understanding how Pooideae grasses have previously adapted to mitigate stressful climates will help predict their response to future climate change. One important trait for this consideration is flowering time. For many temperate species, flowering may occur more rapidly after an extended period of cold (vernalization). This response induces a “memory” of winter that allows the plants to flower only after the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. However, this memory may be lost through devernalization, i.e., high temperatures interrupting vernalization. Here, we tested a variety of Pooideae species to determine which exhibit a devernalization response and then mapped our findings onto a phylogeny. Using this information, we will be able to perform an ancestral trait reconstruction to determine the likely number of origins of the devernalization response in the subfamily.

Primary Faculty Mentor Name

Jill Preston

Status

Graduate

Student College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Program/Major

Plant Biology

Primary Research Category

Life Sciences

Abstract only.

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The evolution of the devernalization response in temperate Pooideae grasses

Pooideae is a subfamily of temperate grasses that includes many important agricultural species, including wheat, barley, rye, and oat. Understanding how Pooideae grasses have previously adapted to mitigate stressful climates will help predict their response to future climate change. One important trait for this consideration is flowering time. For many temperate species, flowering may occur more rapidly after an extended period of cold (vernalization). This response induces a “memory” of winter that allows the plants to flower only after the threat of freezing temperatures has passed. However, this memory may be lost through devernalization, i.e., high temperatures interrupting vernalization. Here, we tested a variety of Pooideae species to determine which exhibit a devernalization response and then mapped our findings onto a phylogeny. Using this information, we will be able to perform an ancestral trait reconstruction to determine the likely number of origins of the devernalization response in the subfamily.