Airborne Methyl Jasmonate Induces Stilbene Accumulation in Leaves and Berries of Grapevine Plants

Abstract

The study investigated whether gaseous methyl jasmonate (MeJa) can induce stilbene accumulation and synthesis potential in response to an abiotic stress (ultraviolet light) in grapevine leaves and berries. It was found that a very low level of atmospheric MeJa (400 nmol/L) can increase stilbene contents in these two organs, although response to MeJa is different between leaves and berries. In leaves MeJa mainly enhances <i>trans</i>-piceid accumulation, while in berries it stimulates <i>trans</i>-resveratrol synthesis. Moreover, during ripening, berries rapidly lose their capacity to respond to MeJa while leaves conserve it. It was also demonstrated that MeJa pretreatment is able to trigger stilbene synthesis potential in response to ultraviolet light, particularly in leaves.