Epigenetic regulation of flowering time in polyploids

Polyploidy plays a significant role in the evolution of flowering plants. Understanding the effects of polyploidy on the epigenetic regulation of adaptive traits may resolve questions about the success of polyploids. One such trait, flowering time, has been the subject of several gene expression studies because it has one of the best characterized genetic networks and because polyploidy has a significant impact on generating variation in flowering time. Future research on the epigenetic consequences of polyploidy on flowering time should begin to examine natural variation in an ecological context, while continuing to make use of resynthesized polyploids.

► We review how polyploidy can add to multiplication of genetic and epigenetic loci.
► We examine how new allopolyploid species can merge compatible biological pathways.
► Future study of natural and resynthesized polyploids is needed in epigenetic studies.