Genome-wide association study identifies a novel BMI1A QTL allele that confers FLC expression diversity in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Identification and understanding of the genetic basis of natural variations in plants are essential for comprehending their phenotypic adaptation. Here, we report a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) expression in 727 Arabidopsis accessions. We identified B LYMPHOMA MOLONEY MURINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS INSERTION REGION 1 HOMOLOG 1A (BMI1A) as a causal gene for one of the FLC expression quantitative trait loci (QTLs).