The present invention provides novel isolated FT polynucleotides and polypeptides encoded by the FT polynucleotides. Also provided are the antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a FT polypeptide or any derivative, variant, mutant or fragment of the FT polypeptide, polynucleotide or antibody. The invention additionally provides methods of constructing transgenic plants that have altered levels of FT polynucleotides and polypeptides.