Rootstock Affects Floral Induction in Citrus Engaging the Expression of the FLOWERING LOCUS T (CiFT)

In Citrus, flower induction represents the transition from vegetative to reproductive growth. The regulation of is mainly triggered by exposure low temperatures and water-deficit stress, which activates signaling cascade leading an increased expression citrus orthologs FLOWERING LOCUS T (CiFT). this study, relationship between rootstock under Mediterranean field conditions was investigated monitoring levels floral promoter CiFT2 in leaves pigmented sweet orange “Tarocco Scirè” grafted onto “C35” citrange “Swingle” citrumelo rootstocks. latter two are known confer, respectively, high yield efficiency scion. both rootstock/scion combinations, showed a seasonal with peak during inductive period January cold temperature. Scirè”/”C35” combination highest for CiFT2; correlated higher number flowers following spring, suggesting significant effect rootstocks on mediated overexpression gene.