Maize Zmufo1-1 is a spontaneous dominant mutation that causes high flavonoid pigment, sucrose, and glucose accumulation in reproductive and vegetative tissues. Flavonoids protect plants from damage by UV radiation and reactive oxygen species. This makes Zmufo1 an ideal model to study interactions between sugar, ROS, and flavonoids. We are investigating sugar treatments in leaf and seed tissues to elucidate the mechanism underlying flavonoid induction which is critical to crop improvement to combat climate change. Funding Source: USDS-NIFA