The biosynthesis of proanthocyanidins in plants is an area of active research, particularly genetic control mechanisms. Questions arising from this work relate to the synthesis of epi-catechin, enzymatic control of condensation reactions and genetic manipulation of proanthocyanidin structures. Little is known of the control of condensation reactions, what directs plants to make specific types of tannins and how environmental influences are communicated to the plant biosynthetic machinery. Reducing CT levels in plants by genetic manipulation may be a strategy for the future.