Abstract: The invention relates generally to isolated leucoanthocyanidin reductase LAR polypeptides of the Reductase-Epimerase-Dehydrogenase (RED) protein family, and nucleic acid molecules encoding same and their use in regulating the biosynthesis and accumulation of proanthocyanidins in plants. The invention is further directed to isolated nucleic acid molecules of plants which encode leucoanthocyanidin reductases of the RED protein family. The isolated polypeptides and nucleic acid molecules of the present invention are useful for modifying the pasture quality of legumes, and, in particular, for producing bloat-safe forage crops. or crops having enhanced nutritional value, enhanced disease resistance or pest resistance, or enhanced malting qualities.

Abstract: This inventions provides an isolated protein or polypeptide having activity in the synthesis of proanthocyanidin (PA) polymer from epicatechin or catechin in plants, and which is not naturally regulated by the TT2 or TT8 regulators, or a fragment comprising at least about 10 contiguous amino acids derived from said protein or polypeptide, particularly TDS1, TDS2, TDS3, TDS4, TDS5, or TDS6 protein, or fragment thereof. Also provided are nucleic acid encoding such proteins or polypeptides; plant cells and plants containing and expressing such nucleic acids; antibodies that bind to such proteins or polypeptides; and related methods.