Expression of the stilbene synthase (StSy) gene from grapevine in transgenic white poplar results in high accumulation of the antioxidant resveratrol glucosides.

When present, stilbene synthase leads to the production of resveratrol compounds, which are major components of the phytoalexin response against fungal pathogens of the plant and are highly bioactive substances of pharmaceutical interest. White poplar (Populus alba L.) was transformed with a construct containing a cDNA insert encoding stilbene synthase from grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.