Vernalization is represented by a period of low temperature that plants go through during winter in the temperate regions. A complex series of changes are triggered by vernalization that starts the transition to flowering. Cristiana researched the molecular response of perennial ryegrass plants to vernalization. This was achieved by sequencing the transcriptome and monitoring how transcripts changed in abundance during vernalization. She identified a set of candidate genes indicative of playing a role in the vernalization response and designed molecular markers to position these genes on a perennial ryegrass genetic map. Their position was then related to quantitative trait loci for the vernalization response.

The research findings contribute to the understanding the complexity of processes eventually leading to the induction of flowering.

The PhD degree was completed within the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University.

Time: Thursday 19 June 2014 at 10.30
Place: Auditorium, Research Center Flakkebjerg, Aarhus University
Title of dissertation: Elucidating the vernalization response in Lolium perenne
Contact information: Cristiana Paina, e-mail: cristiana.paina@agrsci.dk, tel.: +45 8715 4983
Members of the assessment committee:
Senior Scientist Roland Kölliker, Agroscope Reckenholz-Tänikon, Research Station ART, Zurich, Switzerland
Professor Christian Jung, Plant Breeding Institute, University of Kiel, Germany
Associate Professer Søren Borg (chair), Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Main supervisor:
Senior Scientist Torben Asp, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Co-supervisor:
Postdoc Stephen Byrne, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University
Language: The PhD dissertation will be defended in English.

The defence is public.
The dissertation is available for reading at the Graduate School of Science and Technology/GSST, Ny Munkegade 120, building 1521, room 112, 8000 Aarhus C.