A dimeric stilbene extract produced by oxidative coupling of resveratrol active against <em>Plasmopara viticola</em> and <em>Botrytis cinerea</em> for vine treatments

Abstract

Aim: Stilbenes are a group of polyphenols that contribute to the defense mechanisms of grapevine under stress conditions. The main active compounds are oligomeric stilbenes. The sourcing of such compounds is limited by plant raw material availability. In order to overcome this limitation, we proceeded to hemisynthesis of oligomeric stilbenes from natural resveratrol by oxidative coupling using metals. The reaction mixture and the obtained pure compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity in vitro against P. viticola and B. cinerea, and compared with that of resveratrol and grapevine cane extract. Methods and results: Hemisynthesis was achieved in methanol using silver acetate (AgOAc) as oxidative coupling reagent. Four main compounds were obtained in the reaction mixture: δ-viniferin, parthenostilbenin B, oxistilbenins A and B. Results demonstrate the ability of oxidative coupling reaction to produce potent inhibitors of P. viticola and B. cinerea. The reaction mixture is enriched in antimicrobial compounds with high potency as it is at least eight times more active than grapevine cane extract against P. viticola. In addition, this reaction mixture reveals a high fungitoxicity against B. cinerea in contrast to the grapevine extract. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that metals could be used for producing highly antimicrobial compounds from natural resveratrol. Significance and impact of the study: In this study, a method to produce active dimeric stilbenes to protect grapevine was developed based on botanical ingredients. The combination of natural extracts, rich in resveratrol, and metals such as copper may be used as alternatives to Bordeaux mixture and chemical fungicides to protect crops.

Keywords

• resveratrol
• stilbene
• hemisynthesis
• grey mould
• mildew