Grasslands account for almost one quarter of the world’s cover of vegetation. Almost three quarter of the world’s milk, beef and veal are produced from temperate grasslands. In New Zealand, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the main pasture constituent with more than half of the total export revenue coming from grass-related products. Much of ryegrass production and quality depends on the timing of flowering through seasonal progression. In many plants, day length is the critical environmental parameter that controls when plants begin to flower. In Arabidopsis the CONSTANS (CO) gene mediates day length response. Upstream of CO is the GIGANTEA (GI) gene which is associated with the circadian clock mechanism and is required to promote CO expression. The FT gene is the immediate downstream genetic target of CO and is a direct promoter of flowering. In this study, cDNA libraries, sequence alignment and genome walking were used to sequence and describe three putative orthologues from the ryegrass photoperiod pathway: LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3. All three behaved in a true photoperiod manner characterised by cycling expression patterns under continuous light conditions and differential expression patterns in LD and SD conditions. Different photoperiods brought about differences in expression of these genes measured either by the phase shift change (LpGI and LpCOL1) or by the change of the transcript level (LpFT3). Gene expression changes over a vernalisaton time course were also analysed and results indicated that LpFT3 acts as the flowering integrator. The role of LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3 as putative photoperiod genes was further confirmed by genetic mapping, which placed them on linkage groups 3, 6, and 7, respectively. The syntenic positions in rice contain major heading date quantitative trait loci. The function of LpFT3 was examined by over-expressing the gene in Arabidopsis under control of the cauliflower mosiac virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Substantially higher expression of the endogenous Arabidopsis AtFT transcript was observed in the mutated ft-1 line overexpressing LpFT3, suggesting a positive feedback loop either directly or through upstream intermediaries. Overexpression of the LpGI and LpFT3 genes restored rapid flowering to the respective gi-3 and ft-1 Arabidopsis mutants while overexpression of LpCOL1 did not accelerate flowering either in co-2 or wild type Arabidopsis plants. However, overexpression of LpCOL1 completely restored the late flowering phenotype of the gi-3 mutant indicating the existence of another important link outside the well established hierarchy of GI-CO-FT in the photoperiod pathway. This study revealed that the ryegrass photoperiod pathway genes show high similarity to their wheat, rice and Arabidopsis counterparts. Exploring ways to modulate flowering time in ryegrass could provide major benefits to the agricultural industry by increasing forage quality, controlling seed and pollen production, and addressing potential problems linked with climate change.

Grasslands account for almost one quarter of the world’s cover of vegetation. Almost three quarter of the world’s milk, beef and veal are produced from temperate grasslands. In New Zealand, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the main pasture constituent with more than half of the total export revenue coming from grass-related products. Much of ryegrass production and quality depends on the timing of flowering through seasonal progression. In many plants, day length is the critical environmental parameter that controls when plants begin to flower. In Arabidopsis the CONSTANS (CO) gene mediates day length response. Upstream of CO is the GIGANTEA (GI) gene which is associated with the circadian clock mechanism and is required to promote CO expression. The FT gene is the immediate downstream genetic target of CO and is a direct promoter of flowering. In this study, cDNA libraries, sequence alignment and genome walking were used to sequence and describe three putative orthologues from the ryegrass photoperiod pathway: LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3. All three behaved in a true photoperiod manner characterised by cycling expression patterns under continuous light conditions and differential expression patterns in LD and SD conditions. Different photoperiods brought about differences in expression of these genes measured either by the phase shift change (LpGI and LpCOL1) or by the change of the transcript level (LpFT3). Gene expression changes over a vernalisaton time course were also analysed and results indicated that LpFT3 acts as the flowering integrator. The role of LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3 as putative photoperiod genes was further confirmed by genetic mapping, which placed them on linkage groups 3, 6, and 7, respectively. The syntenic positions in rice contain major heading date quantitative trait loci. The function of LpFT3 was examined by over-expressing the gene in Arabidopsis under control of the cauliflower mosiac virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Substantially higher expression of the endogenous Arabidopsis AtFT transcript was observed in the mutated ft-1 line overexpressing LpFT3, suggesting a positive feedback loop either directly or through upstream intermediaries. Overexpression of the LpGI and LpFT3 genes restored rapid flowering to the respective gi-3 and ft-1 Arabidopsis mutants while overexpression of LpCOL1 did not accelerate flowering either in co-2 or wild type Arabidopsis plants. However, overexpression of LpCOL1 completely restored the late flowering phenotype of the gi-3 mutant indicating the existence of another important link outside the well established hierarchy of GI-CO-FT in the photoperiod pathway. This study revealed that the ryegrass photoperiod pathway genes show high similarity to their wheat, rice and Arabidopsis counterparts. Exploring ways to modulate flowering time in ryegrass could provide major benefits to the agricultural industry by increasing forage quality, controlling seed and pollen production, and addressing potential problems linked with climate change.

Grasslands account for almost one quarter of the world’s cover of vegetation. Almost three quarter of the world’s milk, beef and veal are produced from temperate grasslands. In New Zealand, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the main pasture constituent with more than half of the total export revenue coming from grass-related products. Much of ryegrass production and quality depends on the timing of flowering through seasonal progression. In many plants, day length is the critical environmental parameter that controls when plants begin to flower. In Arabidopsis the CONSTANS (CO) gene mediates day length response. Upstream of CO is the GIGANTEA (GI) gene which is associated with the circadian clock mechanism and is required to promote CO expression. The FT gene is the immediate downstream genetic target of CO and is a direct promoter of flowering. In this study, cDNA libraries, sequence alignment and genome walking were used to sequence and describe three putative orthologues from the ryegrass photoperiod pathway: LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3. All three behaved in a true photoperiod manner characterised by cycling expression patterns under continuous light conditions and differential expression patterns in LD and SD conditions. Different photoperiods brought about differences in expression of these genes measured either by the phase shift change (LpGI and LpCOL1) or by the change of the transcript level (LpFT3). Gene expression changes over a vernalisaton time course were also analysed and results indicated that LpFT3 acts as the flowering integrator. The role of LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3 as putative photoperiod genes was further confirmed by genetic mapping, which placed them on linkage groups 3, 6, and 7, respectively. The syntenic positions in rice contain major heading date quantitative trait loci. The function of LpFT3 was examined by over-expressing the gene in Arabidopsis under control of the cauliflower mosiac virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Substantially higher expression of the endogenous Arabidopsis AtFT transcript was observed in the mutated ft-1 line overexpressing LpFT3, suggesting a positive feedback loop either directly or through upstream intermediaries. Overexpression of the LpGI and LpFT3 genes restored rapid flowering to the respective gi-3 and ft-1 Arabidopsis mutants while overexpression of LpCOL1 did not accelerate flowering either in co-2 or wild type Arabidopsis plants. However, overexpression of LpCOL1 completely restored the late flowering phenotype of the gi-3 mutant indicating the existence of another important link outside the well established hierarchy of GI-CO-FT in the photoperiod pathway. This study revealed that the ryegrass photoperiod pathway genes show high similarity to their wheat, rice and Arabidopsis counterparts. Exploring ways to modulate flowering time in ryegrass could provide major benefits to the agricultural industry by increasing forage quality, controlling seed and pollen production, and addressing potential problems linked with climate change.

Grasslands account for almost one quarter of the world’s cover of vegetation. Almost three quarter of the world’s milk, beef and veal are produced from temperate grasslands. In New Zealand, ryegrass (Lolium perenne) is the main pasture constituent with more than half of the total export revenue coming from grass-related products. Much of ryegrass production and quality depends on the timing of flowering through seasonal progression. In many plants, day length is the critical environmental parameter that controls when plants begin to flower. In Arabidopsis the CONSTANS (CO) gene mediates day length response. Upstream of CO is the GIGANTEA (GI) gene which is associated with the circadian clock mechanism and is required to promote CO expression. The FT gene is the immediate downstream genetic target of CO and is a direct promoter of flowering. In this study, cDNA libraries, sequence alignment and genome walking were used to sequence and describe three putative orthologues from the ryegrass photoperiod pathway: LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3. All three behaved in a true photoperiod manner characterised by cycling expression patterns under continuous light conditions and differential expression patterns in LD and SD conditions. Different photoperiods brought about differences in expression of these genes measured either by the phase shift change (LpGI and LpCOL1) or by the change of the transcript level (LpFT3). Gene expression changes over a vernalisaton time course were also analysed and results indicated that LpFT3 acts as the flowering integrator. The role of LpGI, LpCOL1, and LpFT3 as putative photoperiod genes was further confirmed by genetic mapping, which placed them on linkage groups 3, 6, and 7, respectively. The syntenic positions in rice contain major heading date quantitative trait loci. The function of LpFT3 was examined by over-expressing the gene in Arabidopsis under control of the cauliflower mosiac virus (CaMV) 35S promoter. Substantially higher expression of the endogenous Arabidopsis AtFT transcript was observed in the mutated ft-1 line overexpressing LpFT3, suggesting a positive feedback loop either directly or through upstream intermediaries. Overexpression of the LpGI and LpFT3 genes restored rapid flowering to the respective gi-3 and ft-1 Arabidopsis mutants while overexpression of LpCOL1 did not accelerate flowering either in co-2 or wild type Arabidopsis plants. However, overexpression of LpCOL1 completely restored the late flowering phenotype of the gi-3 mutant indicating the existence of another important link outside the well established hierarchy of GI-CO-FT in the photoperiod pathway. This study revealed that the ryegrass photoperiod pathway genes show high similarity to their wheat, rice and Arabidopsis counterparts. Exploring ways to modulate flowering time in ryegrass could provide major benefits to the agricultural industry by increasing forage quality, controlling seed and pollen production, and addressing potential problems linked with climate change.

Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, Department of Plant Physiology, 1971.

Thesis (M.S.)--Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 1994. / Vita. Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 72-74). Also available via the Internet.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1963. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 77-80).

Thesis (MSc)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to elucidate the control of flowering in Protea spp. The main factor that makes studying flowering in this diverse genus so challenging is the fact that most Protea spp. and their commercial hybrids have very dissimilar flowering times. The carbon input into floral organ formation and support is expensive as flowers from Protea spp are arranged in a very large ‘flowerhead’ (50 mm by 130 mm for ‘Carnival’) that can take up to two months to develop fully. Therefore the carbon needed for structural formation, metabolic respiration and the sugar-rich nectar production make these structures extremely expensive to form and maintain. Protea is a sclerophyllous, woody perennial shrub with a seasonal flush growth habit. The leathery leaves (source tissue) produce most of the carbon needed for support and growth of the new leaves, roots and flowers (sink tissue). In the case of expensive structures, such as the inflorescences, remobilization from stored reserves, probably from underground storage systems, can be observed for structural development and maintenance. At all times the flush subtending the apical meristem or florally developing bud provides the largest proportion of carbon for support of the heterotrophic structures. Protea apical meristems stay dormant during the winter months, but BA (benzyl adenine, 6-benzylaminopurine) application to the apical meristem of the Protea hybrid ‘Carnival’ has shown to be effective in the release of dormancy and subsequently shift flowering two months earlier than the natural harvesting time. BA is thought to shift source/sink relationships by stimulating the remobilization of carbon to the resting meristem. Although no direct evidence was found for this in our assay, possible reasons for a weak assay are discussed. This study combined physiological research with the use of molecular tools. An homologue of the Arabidopsis thaliana meristem identity gene, LEAFY, was identified in Proteaceae. PROFL (PROTEA FLORICAULA LEAFY) is expressed in both vegetative and reproductive meristems as well as leaves. PROFL expression in leaves may have an inhibitory effect on vegetative growth, as the expression was high at the same time as the expression in the apical meristem increased marking the transition to reproductive growth. In perennial species such as Protea, the availability of carbon is thought to be the main factor controlling floral development. Possible mechanisms of control may be through the direct control of meristem identity genes such as PROFL through sugar signaling. BA did not have a direct effect on PROFL expression although the expression pattern was one month in advance when compared to the natural system. PROFL expression seems to be consistent with that found for other woody perennial species and would therefore be a convenient marker for floral transition. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die inisiëring van blomvorming in Protea spp. te ondersoek. Die verskil in blomtyd tussen Protea spp. en hul kommersieel ontwikkelde hibriede maak die studie van hierdie genus ‘n groot uitdaging. Die groot hoeveelheid koolstof wat benodig word vir blomvorming in Protea is hoofsaaklik as gevolg van die grootte (50 mm by 130 mm vir ‘Carnival’) van die blomkop waarin individuele blomme geranskik is. Hierdie blomkoppe kan tot 2 maande neem om volwassenheid te bereik. Die koolstof benodig vir strukturele ontwikkeling, metaboliese respirasie en produksie van suiker-ryke nektar maak die vorming van hierdie structure ongelooflik duur. Protea is ‘n bladhoudende, houtagtige bos met ‘n seisoenale groeipatroon. Die leeragtige blare voorsien die grootste hoeveelheid koolstof vir die ontwikkelende blare, wortels en blomme. Koolstof vir die ontwikkeling en ondersteuning van die groot stukture soos die blomkoppe word gedeeltelik deur die huidige fotosinfaat voorsien en bewyse vir die remobilisasie van gestoorde koolstof, heel waarskynlik vanaf ondergrondse stukture, is gevind. Die blare van die stemsegment wat die apikale meristeem of ontwikkelende blom dra, voorsien altyd die grootse hoeveelheid koolhidrate aan die ontwikkelende struktuur. Die apikale meristeme van Protea bly dormant gedurende die winter maande, maar applikasie van BA (bensieladenien, 6-bensielaminopurien) aan die apikale meristeme van die Protea hibried ‘Carnival’ verbreek dormansie en die blomtyd van hierdie gemanipuleerde plante is daarom twee maande vroeër as die natuurlike oestyd. Daar word gespekuleer dat BA applikasie aan die apikale meristeem die hoeveelheid koolstof wat na die dormante meristeem gestuur word verhoog wat dan die dormansie verbreek. Hierdie studie beproef ongelukkig hierdie hipotese swak en redes hiervoor word bespreek. In hierdie studie word fisiologiese analises met molekulêre studies gekombineer. ‘n Meristeem identiteits gene wat homologie wys met LEAFY (LFY) in Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), PROFL (PROTEA FLORICAULA LEAFY), is in Proteaceae geïdentifiseer. PROFL word uitgedruk in reproduktiewe meristeme so wel as die vegetatiewe meristeme en blare. PROFL uitdrukking in blare mag dalk ‘n inhiberende effek hê op die vorming van nuwe blare, omdat die uitdrukking hoog was op die selfde tyd as wat blominisiëring plaasgevind het in die apikale meristeem. Die transisie tot reproduktiewe groei word gekenmerk deur ‘n verhoging in PROFL uitdrukking in die apikale meristeem. In meerjarige plante soos Protea spp word daar verwag dat die teenwoordigheid van voldoende koolstof die oorskakeling na reproduktiewe groei inisieer. Dit mag wees deur die direkte aksie van suikers met gene soos PROFL wat die finale skakel na reproduktiewe groei beheer. Alhoewel BA applikasie geen direkte effek gehad het op PROFL uitdrukking nie, was die blomtyd met twee maande vervroeg. PROFL uitdrukking was vergelykbaar met die uitdrukking van LFY homoloë in ander houtagtige, meerjarige plante en kan gebruik word as ‘n merker vir blominisiëring in Protea spp.

Dissertation (PhD(Agric))--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Advancement of the flowering time of Protea cv. Carnival by approximately three months, without compromising the product quality, was achieved by the application of 6- benzyladenine-containing plant growth regulators to three-flush shoots in autumn. This earlier flowering time coincides favourably with the prime European marketing period (November-January). The percentage three-flush shoots initiating an inflorescence following the brush application of the 6-benzyladenine (BA)-containing regulators, ABG- 3062 (active ingredient: BA 2% w/w) and Accel® (active ingredients: BA 1.8% w/w; gibberellins A4A7 0.18% w/w) on dormant terminal buds, increased with later application dates and flowering percentages as high as 90% was achieved. No inflorescences were initiated on flushes induced by Promalin® (active ingredients: BA 1.8% w/w; gibberellins A4A7 1.8% w/w). Phenological phase progression of green point, flush expansion and inflorescence development of 'Carnival' shoots as induced by BA was calculated to have base temperatures of 8°C, 6°C and 1°C respectively. The days required from application of the BA-containing growth regulator until green point stage increased progressively over the six consecutive treatment dates in autumn (14 March - 22 May 2003). In contrast, the days required to complete inflorescence development decreased with each successive treatment date. The days required between the respective stages were mostly negatively correlated with temperature, except for the phase 'green point to flush expansion', where the relationship was unclear. For three-flush shoots of eight-year old plants, between 13-57, 39-65 and 121-177 days were required to reach green point, to achieve full flush expansion following green point and to complete inflorescence after flush expansion respectively. BA application enhanced budbreak in most dormant shoots, irrespective of plant age, BA concentration, decreasing temperature over time or shoot characteristics. However, twoflush shoots treated in late May had low budbreak and hence low flowering percentages. Shoots varied considerably in their responsiveness to BA treatments. BA application (500mg·L-1) as MaxCelTM (active ingredients: BA 1.9% w/w) to terminal buds alone of mature three-flush shoots from less vigorous growing plants resulted in the highest flowering percentages. Applications were most effective when applied to the terminal bud in the dormant state or up to the ‘green point’ stage. Shoot characteristics such as flush length, leaf area, shoot dry mass, number and proximity of the leaves to the terminal bud were all positively correlated with the propensity of shoots to initiate inflorescence under BA induction. Terminal flush intercalation shoot diameter (>7mm) was identified as the most important variable influencing the likeliness of flowering and can effectively serve as a nondestructive estimation of a shoot's propensity to flower. The presence of developing inflorescences or possible floral inhibiting factors derived from the previous flowering season is suggested to be inhibitory to inflorescence initiation following BA application. Synchronisation of shoot growth by pruning plants in late winter appears to be an essential step to ensure high percentages inflorescence initiation with BA treatment the following autumn. The use of BA as a management tool to control flowering times in Protea for better market opportunities is shown to hold considerable commercial potential. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Protea cv. Carnival se blomtyd is met ongeveer drie maande vervroeg sonder om produkkwaliteit prys te gee. Hierdie vervroegde blomtyd wat gunstig saam val met die optimale Europese bemarkingstyd van November-Januarie is bewerkstelling deur die herfstoediening van 6-bensieladenien-bevattende plantgroei-reguleerders op lote bestaande uit drie groeistuwings. Die persentasie lote met drie groeistuwings wat 'n bloeiwyse geïniseer het na 'n kwas-aanwending met die 6-bensieladenien (BA)-bevattende groeireguleerders, ABG-3062 (aktiewe bestandeel: BA 2% w/w) en Accel® (aktiewe bestandele: BA 1.8% w/w; gibberellins A4A7 0.18% w/w), het toegeneem met latere behandelingsdatums en blompersentasies so hoog as 90% is behaal. Geen bloeiwyses is geïnisieer op groeistuwings wat deur Promalin® (aktiewe bestandeel: BA 1.8% w/w; gibberellins A4A7 1.8% w/w) teweeggebring is nie. Basis temperature van 8°C, 6°C en 1°C respektiewelik is bereken vir fenologiese fasevordering vanaf groeireguleerder toediening tot by groenpunt, groeistuwing-voltooing en bloeiwyse-ontwikkeling van 'Carnival' lote soos geïnduseer deur BA. Die dae wat benodig was vanaf toediening van die BA-toediening totdat groenpunt stadium bereik is, het progressief toegeneem oor die ses opeenvolgende herfsbehandelingsdatums (14 Maart-22 Mei 2003). In teenstelling met bostaande, het die vereiste aantal dae om bloeiwyseontwikkeling te voltooi afgeneem met elke opeenvolgende behandelingsdatum. Die aantal dae wat benodig was vir die onderskeie fases was meestal negatief gekorreleer met temperatuur, behalwe vir die fase 'groenpunt tot groeistuwing-voltooing', waar die verhouding onduidelik was. Vir lote van agt-jaar-oue plante met drie groeistuwings was tussen 13-57, 39-65 en 121-177 dae respektiewelik benodig om groenpunt te bereik, volledige groeistuwingverlenging te bewerkstellig en om bloeiwyse-ontwikkeling wat volg na groeistuwing verlenging, te voltooi. BA-toediening het knoprusbreking bevorder in die meeste dormante lote, ongeag plant ouderdom, BA konsentrasie, afname in temperatuur met tyd of loot eienskappe. Lote met twee groeistuwings wat laat in die herfs behandel is, het egter lae rusbreking en dus gevolglik ook lae blompersentasies getoon. Lote varieer aansienlik in hul reaksie op BA behandeling. BA toediening (500mg·L-1) as MaxCelTM (active ingredients: BA 1.9% w/w) op die terminale knop van afgeharde lote met drie groeistuwings en afkomstig van minder groeikragtige plante het tot die hoogste blompersentasies gelei. Die effektiwiteit van die behandeling was die hoogste met toedienings aan dormante terminale knoppe tot en met groenpuntstadium. Loot eienskappe soos groeistuwinglengte, blaaroppervlakte, loot droë massa, asook die aantal en nabyheid van die blare relatief tot die terminal knop was almal positief gekorreleerd met die vermoë van die loot om 'n blom te inisisieer in reaksie op BA induksie. Terminale groeiverstuwing interkalasie-lootdikte (>7mm) is geïdentifiseer as die belangrikste veranderlike wat die vermoë om te kan blom kan beïnvloed en kan gebruik word as 'n nie-destruktiewe voorspeller vir blom-inisiasie. Die teenwoordigheid van ontwikkelende bloeiwyses of potensiële blom-inhiberende faktore aanwesig in die loot na die vorige blomperiode, word moontlik beskou om inhiberend te wees vir BA-geïnduseerde blom-inisiasie. Sinchronisering van lootgroei deur die snoei van plante in laat-winter blyk krities te wees om 'n hoë blompersentasie met BA behandeling te verseker in die daaropvolgende herfs. Die aanwending van BA as 'n bestuurstegniek om die blomtyd van Protea te posisioneer vir beter bemarkingsgeleenthede toon aansienlike kommersiële potensiaal.

Canada is a global leader in flax production, but flax acreage in Canada remains limited since flax is not well adapted to the northern Prairies. Therefore, breeding early-flowering and early maturing flax cultivars that are adapted to the climate of the northern Prairies is one of the major strategies to expand flax acreage in Canada. The objective of this project is to understand flowering time in flax and generate early flowering genotypes that are adapted to the continental climate of the Canadian Prairies. This project examined photoperiod sensitivity in five Canadian flax cultivars (CDC Sorrel, CDC Bethune, Flanders, Prairie Thunder and Royal) and three M9 genotypes derived from 5-azacytidine (5-azaC) treatment (RE1, RE2 and RE3). To investigate how each cultivar or genotype responds to photoperiod changes, a reciprocal transfer experiment between long day and short day conditions was conducted. All cultivars and genotypes were photoperiod sensitive. However, the level of sensitivity and length of the sensitive phase varied among cultivars and genotypes. The five cultivars were more sensitive to photoperiod changes compared with the three mutant genotypes, while RE2, which was the earliest flowering genotype, was the least sensitive genotype. This project, in addition, examined the expression pattern of ELF4 (EARLY FLOWERING 4), a specific flowering-related gene. This experiment was conducted with three Canadian flax cultivars (CDC Sorrel, CDC Bethune and Royal) and one 5-azaC mutant genotype (RE2). GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase) was used as a reference gene in RT-qPCR. Results of RT-qPCR demonstrated that CDC Sorrel and CDC Bethune had a similar expression pattern, while Royal and RE2 had a similar expression pattern. This project also sought to generate early-flowering genotypes by treating CDC Sorrel with 5-azaC as well as to introgress the early-flowering trait from RE genotypes into CDC Sorrel via hybridization. Mutant populations (M2, M3, bulk M3) and hybrid populations (F2, F3, and bulk F3) were grown and evaluated for time to flowering, maturity and height under latitude (53° N) field conditions in 2012 and 2013. 5-azaC treatment did not induce significant differences in flowering or maturity in the CDC Sorrel background. However, the early flowering trait was successfully introgressed into CDC Sorrel background since selected progeny lines flowered significantly earlier than the later flowering CDC Sorrel parental line.