Open/closed flowering is controlled by the genetic locus CLYSTOGAMOUS 1 (CLY1), encoded by the gene AP2. Two independent genetic variants within AP2 lead to the conversion of the dominant wild-type open flowering allele to the recessive closed flowering (cleistogamous) allele, due to mutation in the miR172 micor-RNA targeting site. This is thought to prevent microRNA mediated down regulation of AP2, preventing loducule development. SNP A = open flowering. SNP C = closed flowering (cleistogamous). Note: Diagnostic marker. Genotypes for both independent cleistogamous mutations (HvCly1_A2604G and HvCly1_A2664C) need to considered together for identification of all instances of the open flowering phenotype. Note: see position 21bp in reference allele sequence alignment.

PMID: 20018663