Scientists in the United Kingdom discovered a gene in barley plants that enable adaptation to seasonal alterations in sunlight exposure. As a result, new variations of crops can likely be designed specifically for volatile climates with otherwise arable environments, including those effected by global warming.

The genetic domino-effect begins with Ppd-H1, a catalyst that determines when another gene, CO, activates. CO subsequently prompts a separate gene causing flowering. In conjunction with each other, altering Ppd-H1 could manipulate what time of year plants flower.

Via (ScienceBlog)