A substantially purified or isolated nucleic acid encoding BANYULS (BAN) and its polypeptide from a clover (Trifolium) species are described. The BANYULS gene encodes a anthocyanidin reductase. Vectors and plant cells comprising the nucleic acid are described. The nucleic acid can be introduced into a plant to modify flavonoid biosynthesis, protein binding, metal chelation, anti-oxidation, UV-light absorption, pigment production, plant defense to biotic stress or forage quality, or can be used as a molecular marker.
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