Zhen Liu¹ , Dandan Huang² , Wenfang Wang¹

1 Institute of Life Sciences, Jiyang Colloge of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, Zhejiang, China
2 Hainan Institute of Biotechnology, Haikou, 570206, Hainan, China
Author    Correspondence author
Plant Gene and Trait, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 5   doi: 10.5376/pgt.2025.16.0021
Received: 09 Aug., 2025    Accepted: 15 Sep., 2025    Published: 23 Sep., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Liu Z., Huang D.D., and Wang W.F., 2025, Light and temperature regulation of flowering in Rosa chinensis under controlled cultivation, Plant Gene and Trait, 16(5): 194-205 (doi: 10.5376/pgt.2025.16.0021)

 

Rosa chinensis serves as a model for studying floral transition in perennial woody ornamentals. This study explores how light and temperature regulate flowering patterns, floral quality, and genotype × environment interactions under controlled and field conditions. Molecular analysis shows that the RcCO-RcFT module and RcPIF-FLC-like axis integrate environmental cues, with RcPHYA, RcCRY2, RcPIF4, and RcHsfA6 acting through downstream regulators such as RcSOC1. Transcriptomic and epigenetic data confirm convergence of these networks, enabling synchronized flowering, while high temperature and short-day conditions disrupt activators. Phenotypic trials demonstrate that temperature and light shape floral morphology, longevity, and symmetry. A case study at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew illustrates how precise environmental management ensures display value and conservation. The findings support breeding climate-resilient rose cultivars using marker-assisted selection, transcriptome-based screening, and CRISPR/Cas9 editing, providing practical strategies for sustainable cultivation, ornamental display, and adaptation to climate change.

Rosa chinensis; Flowering regulation; Photoperiod; Temperature; CO-FT module; RcSOC1; Glasshouse cultivation; Molecular breeding