Pine stilbene synthase cDNA, a tool for probing environmental stress.

Stilbene synthase cDNAs were isolated from a pine (Pinus sylvestris) cDNA library. Poly(A)+RNA required for the preparation was obtained from young seedlings challenged with Botrytis cinerea. A full-length cDNA encoding pinosylvin-forming stilbene synthase was sequenced, and the deduced amino acid sequence was compared with sequences of resveratrol-forming stilbene synthases. The cDNA coding for the key enzyme of pinosylvin formation is a valuable tool for detecting early effects of environmental stress in pine needles.