How meristems guide plant reproductive development? Jane and Aatos Erkko Foundation

Plant growth occurs through specialized tissues called meristems. Our aim is to understand the functions of inflorescence and flower meristems that generate flowers, seeds and fruits being a key attribute for crop productivity and adaptation of plants. The proposed research promotes our understanding of mechanisms of plant development and evolution of morphological diversity in nature. This basic knowledge is necessary for targeted breeding of new cultivars as well as for adjusting plant production into changing environment.