Abstract

To plants, temperature is an inescapable and unalterable component of the environment. Through changes in reaction rates and alterations of biophysical properties, temperature directly affects biological processes. The direct affect of temperature on plants is both a potentially lethal stress and a key determinant of metabolic rates, and by extension resource acquisition and ultimately growth. As such, temperature has major effects on development and is a key determinant of species distribution and crop yields, something of increasing importance in the context of climate change. Despite this, little is known about how plants sense temperature and how this information is integrated into development.

To identify genes involved in temperature perception, we are carrying out a forward genetic screen of an EMS mutagenized population using a temperature responsive reporter. So far, several lines showing aberrant temperature responses have been identified, these are currently being investigated to characterise their role in temperature perception and are being prepared for mapping by sequencing