News in Plant Science: Annuals turned Perennial

A. thaliana, the quintessential research plant

Every gardener visiting a nursery knows what they’re looking for based on a basic distinction: annuals or perennials. What if the categories weren’t so clear? Scientists have discovered that it is just two genes that determine whether a plant is annual or perennial.

The distinction between annuals and perennials is based on reproductive strategy. Generally, annuals tend to germinate, grow, and flower quickly to produce seeds that will be the carriers of DNA into the next generation – DNA is what it’s all about! Perennials, on the other hand, have a variety of life strategies. They usually survive from year to year, harboring their DNA all the while, often able to set seed and survive to bloom again.

Scientists at VIB- a non-profit scientific research organization, have discovered that
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