Genomic variation in the FT gene family of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)

The timing of flowering is of prime importance for several agronomic traits, and its genetic control is therefore of great interest to breeders. Several signaling pathways converge on FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) gene family members, which act as central regulators of flowering, branching and seed dormancy. We identified the complete FT gene family in the Lolium perenne genome and performed phylogenetic analysis to delineate functional clades and to identify putative functionally redundant paralogs. Five FT genes of L. perenne were selected for targeted resequencing in a genepool of 746 accessions to describe genetic diversity in wild accessions, commercial cultivars and breeding material.