Methyl Jasmonate Treatment as a Trigger of Resveratrol Synthesis in Cultivated Grapevine

Abstract

The effect of an exogenous grape berry application of methyl jasmonate (MeJA) on the enhancement of the in vivo resveratrol production was tested. MeJA is a plant volatile that acts as an important intracellular regulator mediating diverse developmental processes and defense responses. A treatment with MeJA spray solution was performed on clusters of Vitis vinifera cv. Barbera grafted onto 3309 C rootstock under drought stress condition and regular water supply and at fruit set, veraison, and ripening. Cumulative MeJA treatments significantly increased berry resveratrol and ε-viniferin production at ripening. Water stress did not affect stilbene synthesis.