Regulation of plant reproductive growth, flowering, and yield by flavonoids

Abstract

Flavonoids are multifunctional secondary metabolites that play a vital role in the regulation of plant growth, development, reproduction, flowering, and yield. These compounds contribute significantly to plant defense mechanisms, hormone signaling, pigmentation, and fertility, especially under stress conditions. In reproductive development, flavonoids enhance pollen viability, tube growth, and thermotolerance, while in vegetative tissues, they modulate auxin and ethylene signaling pathways to support root development, gravitropism, and overall morphogenesis. Furthermore, flavonoids influence yield through complex transcriptional and metabolic networks and improve flower coloration and pollinator attraction by regulating anthocyanin and flavonol biosynthesis. Their biosynthesis is governed by tightly regulated pathways involving structural genes and transcription factors, often influenced by environmental cues. This chapter highlights recent findings on the regulatory roles of flavonoids in key developmental stages and discusses their potential applications in improving plant productivity and stress resilience. © 2026 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved..