The Role and Possibilities of Epigenetics in Ornamental Plant Breeding

Abstract The importance of epigenetics in plant cultivation and breeding has been growing rapidly in the recent years, and this knowledge base is likely to expand further in the years ahead. The constantly changing climate means that our commercial and ornamental plants require reassessment and varieties need to be adapted to these climatic conditions. Epigenetics provides a solution for breeding varieties that change phenotypic traits without modifying the DNA, so that they cannot be considered as genetically modified varieties. Breeding of ornamental plants will therefore be a priority area for epigenetics in the near future, as it is of paramount importance to ensure a constantly renewed ornamental quality. Flowering and flower induction will also be an important area of epigenetic research. In this work, we have collected some relevant epigenetic results in the plant kingdom, with emphasis on ornamental plants.