PhD defence: From compact greens to ascending stems: elucidating the role of ATH1 in regulating internode growth dynamics in Arabidopsis thaliana

This thesis explores how plants, particularly Arabidopsis thaliana (a widely used model in plant biology), transition from a low-growing, compact form to taller stems as they prepare to reproduce. Understanding this process is vital for improving the yield and quality of leafy crops like lettuce and cabbage.

As the global population continues to grow and available farmland becomes increasingly scarce, optimizing the growth habits of leafy vegetables is more important than ever. This research focuses on a specific protein called ATH1, which plays a crucial role in determining when and how plants shift from a compact, leafy structure to a taller, flowering form. This shift, known as bolting, involves the rapid elongation of the flowering stem and can have a significant impact on both the quantity and quality of crops. If bolting occurs too early, it can drastically reduce both the quality and yield of the harvest.

In this thesis, Shokrian Hajibehzad and colleagues show that ATH1 helps maintain the plant's compact form during early growth stages by regulating specific growth processes. The study also examines how environmental factors such as light and nutrients influence this process. By gaining a deeper understanding of these mechanisms, the research aims to develop strategies to prevent premature bolting, which can negatively affect crop yields.

Ultimately, this thesis sheds light on the complex interactions between a plant's genetics and its environment, with the goal of improving agricultural practices. The findings could lead to the development of crops that are more resistant to environmentally induced bolting, thereby contributing to enhanced food production in the future.