The production of resveratrol by Vitis vinifera and other members of the Vitaceae as a response to infection or injury

Trans-resveratrol (4,3′,5′-trihydroxy stilbene) has been identified as the major component responsible for the blue fluorescence of grapevine leaf tissue following fungal infection or exposure to ultraviolet light. The biosynthesis of this compound appears to be a non-specific response of members of the Vitaceae to infection or injury. The compound is not detectable in healthy leaves but accumulates to between 50 and 400 μg/g fresh weight in infected or u.v.-irradiated leaves and is a major constituent (c. 700 μg/g) of lignified stem tissue. The biological significance of the production of resveratrol is discussed.