Understanding Specialized Metabolism in Faba Bean - From Biosynthetic Pathways to Crop Improvement

PhD defence by Denise Vivian Marleen Blume

Assessment Committee

Professor Barbara Halkier, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen (Chairperson)
Professor Jakob Franke, Leibniz University Hannover
Professor Donal O'Sullivan, University of Reading

Supervisors

Associate Professor Fernando Geu-Flores

Department

Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences

Place

Building: A2, Room: A2-81.01, Thorvaldsensvej 40, 1871 Frederiksberg

Email address to gain access to the thesis: dvmb@plen.ku.dk.
You will either receive a copy of the thesis or be informed where you can read a physical copy.
Recipients of copies of the thesis are not allowed to share or distribute it due to copyright compliance.

Short description of the thesis

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important protein crop for sustainable agriculture. Its cultivation and utilization are shaped by specialized metabolites that influence nutritional quality, plant defense, and interactions with the environment. This thesis key genes were identified and characterized, underlying three major specialized metabolic pathways in faba bean: the biosynthesis of two classes of antinutritional compounds, vicine and convicine and proanthocyanidins, as well as L-DOPA. By characterizing of the genes and enzymes involved in these pathways, this work provides new insights into their biosynthesis, evolution, regulation, and biological function. These findings establish a foundation for future breeding and metabolic engineering aimed at improving the nutritional quality and agronomic value of faba bean.