Controlling dhurrin biosynthesis: Transcriptional regulation of a cyanogenic glycoside in Sorghum

This thesis investigates how sorghum, a cereal crop, produces dhurrin—a natural compound that deters pests but can harm grazing animals. Dhurrin levels are difficult to predict and can change with nitrogen, an essential nutrient. This research explores the genes and molecular signals that control dhurrin production under different nitrogen conditions. The findings reveal how dhurrin fits within the plant’s broader metabolism and how this system responds to the environment. This work offers insights that could support the development of sorghum varieties that are both safer for livestock and more resilient to stress.