In the past our group has shown the conservation of the LEAFY gene function and expression patterns during vegetative-to-reproductive transition in tropical tree species. More recently we have been interested on the role of MADS-box genes in defining floral organ morphology and size, using Arabidopsis and passionfruit as models. Current work in our group focus on the molecular networks controlling plant development, taking into account the influences of genomic evolution and the effects of hormones such as auxins, cytokinins and gibberellins. Besides still being concentrated in studying gene function and expression patterns during vegetative-to-reproductive transition, we recently enlarged our interests into floral organ development and evolution as well as tropical fruit development.