ABSTRACT
This chapter shows that resveratrol has real inhibitory effects on conidial germination of Botrytis cinerea at concentrations comparable to the activity of other phytoalexins, which generally falls within one order of magnitude. The antifungal properties of resveratrol and related compounds, together with their interest as regards human health are powerful arguments to justify research on the potential use of stilbenes on an industrial scale. The production of resveratrol and its derivatives has been particularly well studied using peanut and grapevine as models. Resveratrol and pterostilbene used at sublethal or lethal doses also alter fungal morphogenesis and cause cytological abnormalities in B. cinerea conidia. There is a positive correlation between the production of resveratrol and its derivatives and the resistance of Vitisspp. to pathogens such as P. viticola and B. cinerea. Stilbenes are inhibitory to fungi but, at the same time, botrytis is able to inactivate the resveratrol defense line of the host.
