A genetic program for rapid initiation of axillary meristems at the onset of flowering

These meristems vary in their initiation, pausing, outgrowth dynamics and morphogenetic outcomes. We used tomato to identify a transient, florigen - stimulated regulatory module that promotes rapid initiation of two types of axillary meristem - vegetative and reproductive during floral transition.

We found this regulatory module, which is activated in the primary shoot meristem at the onset of floral transition, grants flexibility to inflorescence complexity as well as post-flowering initiation of vegetative branches. Our analyses uncover a mechanism for meristem-specific behavior, extending florigen’s regulatory role in reprogramming the shoot to accommodate the demands of reproductive stage