Flowering in fruit trees: a comparative transcriptomic study in peach (Prunus persica L. Batsch) and grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)

The PhD thesis explores the molecular and hormonal mechanisms driving the flowering process in two significant fruit species, peach and grapevine. Through comparative transcriptomic analyses, the study investigates the role of key phytohormones, particularly gibberellins, in floral induction and transition. The research highlights the genetic regulation of flowering, focusing on specific genes that modulate the reproductive shift from vegetative growth. Insights are provided into how environmental factors, such as temperature and water stress, interact with internal cues to influence bud development and fertility. The findings have practical implications for crop management, particularly in the context of improving fruit quality and yield through targeted thinning and hormonal treatments, which are essential for optimizing commercial fruit production. This thesis offers a comprehensive understanding of the genetic and physiological basis of flowering, contributing to advancements in horticultural practices.