In general the resistance gene should have no effect in the absence of the herbicide. However, the resistance gene for glyphosate is a copy of the enolpyruvate-shikamate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) which is required for the biosynthesis of aromatic compounds. Even in the absence of the herbicide this gene will be transcribed, potentially resulting in an increased flux through the shikimate pathway. This would result in an increased accumulation of aromatic compounds which may give the plant an advantage.
Thanks Matthias Thalmann
Now can I continue on your answer:how do you think varieties of sorghum with and without the gene differ in their chemical composition particularly tannin content?
I must say that I have never worked with Sorghum, so I can only give an answer based on the theory. As tannins are aromactial compounds I would expect an EPSPS overexpressing plant to accumulate more tannins compared to wild type plants. This may in turn give the plants enhanced resistance to herbivores.
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