Biochemistry of Plant Phenolics

Phenolic compounds have attracted the attention of those interested in plant constituents for over 200 years. First as dyestuffs, meaicinals and tannins and, much later, because of their potential use in examining the systematic and evolutionary relationships of plants, and their impli- cation in defence against both herbivores and phytopatho- gens. It is not surprising, therefore, that the first formally organised Society of Phytochemists, the Plant Phenolics group which was established in England in 1958, should have devoted themselves to an intensive study of these compounds. They were quickly followed by a like group in North America. But, by the mid-1960's, it was obvious to the members of both societies that their net was spread wider than just phenolic compounds and in 1965 both adopted a more appropriate name, The Phytochemical Society (now Phytochemical Society of Europe (PSE), and The Phytochemical Society of North America (PSNA) respec- tively). In spite of this broadening of interest, both socie- ties have continued to devote a major portion of their deliberations to phenolic compounds and it is entirely appropriate, therefore, that their first joint Symposium, held in the late summer of 1977 at the Rijksuniversiteit te Gent, Belgium, should be concerned with "The Biochem- istry of Plant Phenolics. " First occasions are often difficult, but the chief organiser of this Symposium, Professsor Ch~is van Sumere, Head of the Laboratorium voor Plantenbiochemie of the Rijksuniversiteit te Gent with his charming wife and enthu- siastic staff overcame all obstacles.