Cold stress is a significant threat for plant productivity and impacts on plant distribution and crop production, particularly so when it occurs during the growth phase. A developmental stage at risk is that of flowering, since a single stress event during sensitive stages, such as the full-bloom stage of fruit trees can be fatal for reproductive success. Although pollen development and fertilization are widely viewed as the most critical reproductive phases, the development and function of female reproductive tissues, which in Angiosperms are embedded in the gynoecium, are also affected by cold stress. Today however, we have essentially no understanding of the cold stress response pathways that act during floral organogenesis. In this review, we briefly summarize our current knowledge of cold stress signalling modules active in vegetative tissues that may provide a framework of general principles also transferable to female reproductive tissues. We then align these signalling cascades with those that govern gynoecium development to identify factors that may act in both processes and could thereby contribute to cold stress responses in female reproductive tissues.

The responsibility for discussion papers lies solely with the individual authors. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of IWH. The papers represent preliminary work and are circulated to encourage discussion with the authors. Citation of the discussion papers should account for their provisional character; a revised version may be available directly from the authors.Comments and suggestions on the methods and results presented are welcome.

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The responsibility for discussion papers lies solely with the individual authors. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of IWH. The papers represent preliminary work and are circulated to encourage discussion with the authors. Citation of the discussion papers should account for their provisional character; a revised version may be available directly from the authors. Comments and suggestions on the methods and results presented are welcome.