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Diving into the genetics of endives Genetic analyses show molecular differences that could explain why curly endives taste bitterer than smooth ones. Donato Giannino of the Institute of Agricultural Biology and Biotechnology and colleagues in Italy analyzed the genetic differences between curly and smooth endives, a leafy vegetable used in salads. They found more than 3000 single sequence variations in genes distinguishing the two types from each other. Twenty six genes were involved in the biosynthesis of sesquiterpenoids, metabolites important for plant survival that also contribute to the bitter taste of endives and have antimalarial, sedative and analgesic effects when isolated for humans. Their levels were higher in curly than in smooth endives, potentially contributing to their more bitter taste. The information expands the genetic data available on endives for breeding programs.