PLANT DEFENSE MOLECULES HIDDEN IN OLIVE MILL WASTES

Olive oil production generates significant amounts of biowastes. They are characterized by a high polluting and phytotoxic degree, however they are still mainly disposed directly on the soil, threatening the balance of ecological systems (Sciubba et al. 2020). The industrial process of olive oil extraction could promote the accumulation of potential biopesticides and plant immunostimulants in olive pomace. In this study, eco-friendly processes were developed for the isolation and characterization of fractions enriched in oligosaccharides and polyphenols (Lionetti et al. 2017). Our results indicate that both extracted fractions trigger Arabidopsis immune responses and protect plants against Botrytis cinerea and Pseudomonas syringae. Polyphenols fraction exhibits antifungal activities against economically important plant pathogens. These natural, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly bioactive molecules can be used to reduce the large use of pesticides by integrating the chemicals into an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, promoting a circular economy for more sustainable agriculture.