Identification of a MADS-box gene, FLOWERING LOCUS M, that represses flowering.

The timing of flowering is important for the reproductive success of plants. Here we describe the identification and characterization of a new MADS-box gene, FLOWERING LOCUS M (FLM), which is involved in the transition from vegetative to reproductive development. FLM is similar in amino-acid sequence to FLC, another MADS-box gene involved in flowering-time control. flm mutants are early flowering in both inductive and non-inductive photoperiods, and flowering time is sensitive to FLM dosage. FLM overexpression produces late-flowering plants. Thus FLM acts as an inhibitor of flowering. FLM is expressed in areas of cell division such as root and shoot apical regions and leaf primordia.