EARLY BUD-BREAK 1 (EBB1) is a regulator of release from seasonal dormancy in poplar trees

Significance Timing of vegetative bud dormancy is an environmentally and economically important trait whose importance will grow due to rapid climate changes. However, the underpinning regulatory mechanisms are still poorly understood. We report the identification and characterization of theEarly Bud-Break 1 (EBB1 ) gene in poplar that regulates the timing of bud-break. EBB1 plays a major and integrative role in the reactivation of the shoot apical meristem after winter dormancy. The knowledge about EBB1 function can enable novel approaches for population management, molecular breeding, and genetic engineering of dormancy-associated traits.