Vegetative phase change

Vegetative phase change is the juvenile-to-adult transition in plants.^[1] This transition is distinct from the reproductive transition and is most prolonged and pronounced in woody species. Manipulating phase change may be an important avenue for plant improvement.^[2]

In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, vegetative phase change is relatively subtle: leaves become more curled, with an increased number of abaxial trichomes, and increased serration.^[3] Studies in A. thaliana and maize identified microRNA MIR156 genes as master regulators of phase change, through their regulation of SQUAMOSA-PROMOTER-BINDING-LIKE (SBP/SPL) transcription factors.^[4][5] This gene regulatory circuit appears to be conserved (with variations) in all land plants, including mosses.^[1]

See also

• Plant morphology
• Heteroblasty