Abstract: Flowering time of cruciferous crops is regulated by floral signals of several pathways，such as vernalization pathway，photoperiod pathway，autonomous pathway and gibberellins pathway，which finally integrate into flowering integration pathway to mediate the flowering time delicately. MADS-box factors play a vital role in flowering-time control. Recent studies have revealed that AGL18 is one of MADS family members involved in floral regulation of flowering integration factors. We summarize the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of crucifer AGL18 in flowering pathways in this paper and discuss the future research interests of AGL18 in regulating floral transition. This work provides valuable information for in-depth studies on molecular regulation of the floral transition and edible organ development in cruciferous vegetables.

Key words: cruciferous vegetables, MADS family, AGL18, flowering regulation