Paclobutrazol treatment affects anthesis in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris by modulating conserved developmental pathways.
Broccoli-raab (Brassica rapa subsp. sylvestris) production is significantly affected by the timing of flower opening (anthesis), which often results in market disqualification and a reduction in crop value. This project aims to develop agronomic strategies and genetic tools to control anthesis, with the goal of improving crop quality and extending the harvest window. Through field and molecular analyses, we assess the efficacy of paclobutrazol (PAC) in delaying anthesis and explore its potential integration into crop management practices. Additionally, we identify candidate genes associated with flowering time, providing a foundation for future breeding programs targeting anthesis regulation.