Kiwifruits (Actinidia deliciosa) transformed with a Vitis stilbene synthase gene produce piceid (resveratrol-glucoside)

A stilbene synthase gene was isolated from three Vitis spp. (V. vinifera. V . labrusca and V. riparia). These genes were placed under the control of th e cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter and introduced into kiwifruit (Acti nidia deliciosa) plants by; Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer. The intro duced gene(s) were expressed and piceid (resveratrolglucoside) rather than resveratrol was produced in the Leaves of the transformants. Resveratrol pr oduced by the action of the integrated gene(s) seems to he metabolized into piceid by an endogenous glycosyl transferase. Among the transformants obta ined, the highest piceid content in the young leaves was 182 mu g/g fresh w eight. Although these transformants did not show resistance against Botryti s cinerea, which causes gray-mould disease, the fruits may have some benefi cial effects on human health.