Genetic Manipulation Of Condensed Tannin Synthesis In Forage Crops
Abstract
Condensed tannins are polymeric flavonoids with protein-precipitating and antioxidant properties. As the understanding of their biological properties increases, the desire to manipulate tannins is becoming stronger among plant breeders. They are particularly important to the development of improved forage quality. Tannins eliminate the foam which causes legume pasture bloat in cattle and sheep. They protect protein from excessive proteolysis in the rumen and inhibit gut parasite growth. These features can lead to improved weight gain and reduced management costs with ruminants. Tannins are also involved in conferring insect resistance to plants. This chapter will review the current understanding of condensed tannin accumulation, biochemistry, and gene expression with respect to forage legumes. It will highlight several genetic systems and cloned genes which can be used to manipulate condensed tannin expression in plants.
From book Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops: Proceedings of the 2nd International Symposium, Molecular Breeding of Forage Crops, Lorne and Hamilton, Victoria, Australia, November 19–24, 2000 (pp.189-201)
Article Contributors:
M. Y. Gruber
Heather Ray at Rochfort Gene Consulting
L. Blahut-Beatty
Genetic Manipulation of Condensed Tannin Synthesis in Forage Crops | Request PDF. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/299723435_Genetic_Manipulation_of_Condensed_Tannin_Synthesis_in_Forage_Crops
You must be logged in to post a comment.