Flowering time is an important trait in many crop species, and we are using a genetic approach to understand more about how environmental factors such as daylength and temperature control the onset and duration of flowering. We are also investigating the relationship between flowering and other developmental processes including branching and cold tolerance. Our work focuses mainly on comparative genetics in temperate legumes (pea, Medicago, lentil), but we also work on other species including brassicas (cabbage and cauliflower) and Eucalyptus. In addition to a better understanding of basic plant biology, our work is generating information useful for breeding, and providing new insights into the domestication of legume crops.
Recent Publications on Flowering
Contact: Jim.Weller@utas.edu.au