Light Regulation of Crop Development

Using maize, a model crop, as the research focus, our work aims to decipher the mechanisms underlying sex determination of male and female flowers and the regulation of flowering time during plant growth and development. By combining forward genetic screening with reverse functional gene identification, we explore the regulatory role of light signal transduction in maize.

Specifically, we investigate the roles of blue light and ultraviolet light receptors in enhancing maize adaptability to environmental stresses such as UV radiation, high temperatures, intense light, salinity, alkalinity, and drought. Through these studies, we aim to provide theoretical insights and practical strategies for improving crop resilience and optimizing development under challenging conditions.