Variations in polyphenol oxidase in red clover (Trifolium pratense) leaves and roots

Introduction: Red clover contains relatively high concentrations of polyphenol oxidase (PPO). It has been suggested that these PPOs protect lipids and proteins from degradation through the generation of highly reactive quinones that covalently bind with nucleophilic sites, leading to cross-linking of protein polymers. This process could have a positive effect on the silage quality of red clover when fed to ruminants. If roots of red clover also contain these PPOs this could potentially affect the degradation of roots and influence the soil microbial community, and subsequent soil processes. The objective of this research was to determine if roots of red clover, like the leaves, also contain PPOs, and if this varies between cultivars. Read more