a b s t r a c tAim: Stilbenes are a group of polyphenols that contribute to the defense mechanisms of grapevine under stress conditions. The main active compounds are oligomeric stilbenes. The sourcing of such compounds is limited by plant raw material availability. In order to overcome this limitation, we proceeded to hemisynthesis of oligomeric stilbenes from natural resveratrol by oxidative coupling using metals. The reaction mixture and the obtained pure compounds were tested for their antimicrobial activity in vitro against P. viticola and B. cinerea, and compared with that of resveratrol and grapevine cane extract. Methods and results: Hemisynthesis was achieved in methanol using silver acetate (AgOAc) as oxidative coupling reagent. Four main compounds were obtained in the reaction mixture: δ-viniferin, parthenostilbenin B, oxistilbenins A and B. Results demonstrate the ability of oxidative coupling reaction to produce potent inhibitors of P. viticola and B. cinerea. The reaction mixture is enriched in antimicrobial compounds with high potency as it is at least eight times more active than grapevine cane extract against P. viticola. In addition, this reaction mixture reveals a high fungitoxicity against B. cinerea in contrast to the grapevine extract. Conclusion: The present findings indicate that metals could be used for producing highly antimicrobial compounds from natural resveratrol. Significance and impact of the study: In this study, a method to produce active dimeric stilbenes to protect grapevine was developed based on botanical ingredients. The combination of natural extracts, rich in resveratrol, and metals such as copper may be used as alternatives to Bordeaux mixture and chemical fungicides to protect crops. k e y w o r d s resveratol, stillbene, hemisynthesis, grey mould, mildew

Natural extracts, and particularly plant by-product extracts, can represent an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides to control crop diseases. We produced an extract from a mix of grapevine trunk and roots that contain a high amount of complex stilbenes (grapevine phytoalexins), especially ε- and r-viniferins. This extract conferred protection to grapevines against Plasmopara viticola (the causal agent of downy mildew) by displaying antimicrobial activities towards zoospore mobility and sporulation and by stimulating plant defences. From the perspective of its application in the field, a formulated preparation of the extract was proposed using polysorbate and sophorolipids. The formulated extract reduced the development of various oomycetes impacting grapevine, potato, tomato and melon in semi-controlled conditions. Thus, such grapevine extract constitutes a promising strategy to protect major cultivated plants against downy mildews.