Regulation of flowering time requires the activity of various genes that are controlled by environmental and internal cues. The FLC gene plays a key role in transition to flowering and suppresses flowering as target gene of vernalization pathway. Vernalization is a natural adaptation to ensure flowering after winter so that flowers and seeds can develop in favorable environmental conditions. In this study, identification and expression of FLC gene was investigated in rocket mustard (Sisymbrium irio). Total RNA was extracted from cotyledon leaves and cDNA was made. Specific primers were designed based on tsequence alignment of FLC homogenous genes and used for RT-PCR reaction. The identified 449 nucleotids fragment was recorded as SiFLC with accession number KT156751 in the NCBI database. Sequencing of the coding region and comparison of its putative protein (with 150 amino acids) and FLC orthologues in other plants showed their high similarity. Expression relative rate using the semi-quantitative method, in vegetative stage in young leaves, mature leaves, stems and roots was between 56-86%, which the highest (about 86%) and the lowest (about 56%) levels were observed in young leaves and stems respectively. In the reproductive stage, a decrease in expression was observed in these organs especially in leaves (about one percent). However, expression level was higher in flower buds and reached about 31%. Decreasing leaf expression in the reproductive phase indicates flowering induction. FLC higher levels in flowers, after transition to flowering, allows the next generation to reregulate its rate and respond to winter during vegetative phase

In order to study the effect of sodium chloride salinity on flowering of eggplant varieties grown in the open air, a research was conducted in a completely randomized design with 10 replications. Salinity levels were used in seven concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mM sodium chloride. Different amounts of sodium chloride were added to the irrigation water (219 mmho.cm-1). Three varieties of eggplant seedlings (Jahrom locally, Dezful slender and sweet Hindi), were prepared and planted in plastic bags containing 9 kg of dominant cultivation soil of Khonj zone. Salinity treatments were followed for 5 months. Results showed that salinity generally reduced the number of flowers per plant compared to the control treatment and delayed the flowering time but had no significant effect on the number of open flowers. Among studied cultivars based on considered characters the variety of Jahrom local was evaluated as a more salinity tolerant and the variety of Dezful slender as the most sensitive one.

Olive is one of the most ancient fruit trees and has been cultivated for its oil for thousands of years. A mature olive tree produces about 500, 000 flowers. They are borne on inflorescences termed panicles. The number of flowers and their distribution on the inflorescence are specific for each cultivar but can change from year to year. The flower position on the inflorescence affects its gender and opening day. The flowers are either perfect (hermaphrodite) or staminate (male). Olive flowers are wind-pollinated; however, they are visited by insects. Critical conditions such as strong and dry winds, rain, and high temperature affect pollination and may reduce fruit set. Most olive cultivars are self-incompatible or partially self-compatible and need to be fertilized by compatible pollenisers to ensure acceptable production. Furthermore, some cultivars are cross-incompatible and cannot fertilize each other. The degree of SIin olive is widely influenced by climatic conditions and therefore varies from environment to environment and from year to year. In a year with normal flowering, 1 to 2% of fruit set is enough for a commercial yield. The fruit follows a double sigmoid growth pattern like other drupes and contains quality oil.