Condensed Tannins in Plant Defense: A Perspective on Classical Theories

Abstract

Classical theories of condensed tannin-herbivore interactions should be reassesed. Condensed tannins may act in ways apart from digestion inhibition and may even act as metabolic toxins aoutside of the digestive system. Recent research has also questioned the generalized nature of condensed tannins as plant defenses; some condensed tannins are more deleterious to herbivores than others. In cases where condensed tannins do act as defensive compunds, hoever, animals may learn through expereience rather than instinctively avoid high tannin content plants.