Vernalization.

Vernalization refers to the acquisition or acceleration of the ability to flower by a chilling treatment. This paper discusses vernalization and flowering time control in plants and elucidates the molecular processes involved in vernalization using Arabidopsis thaliana as model. The functions of genes determining vernalization requirement and mediating response in A. thaliana and other species (such as brassicas and temperate cereals) are described. The evolution of vernalization in plants is also discussed.