All grapevine cultivars (Vitis vinifera L.) traditionally grown in Europe are susceptible to many pathogens, such as berries during ripening need to protect them against infections but also exposure to UV-radiation.
In this context, stilbenoids , whose precursor is resveratrol, represent the major antimicrobial phenolic compounds in grapevine acting as phytoalexins against biotic and abiotic stresses. At present, only two MYB regulator genes (VvMYB14 and VvMYB15) acting on the promoter of Stilbene Synthase genes were identified as involved in the stilbenoid pathway.

The toxicity of these compounds is strichtly dependent on their chemical structure. In particular, it's known that oligomers of resveratrol display more toxicity against fungi in in vitro trials. However, the enzymes responsible for their formation are still not identified in grapevine.

Here, our main aim is to expand the stilbenoid regulatory network.

Thank for the info!!!