Abstract

Verticillium wilt is a vascular disease caused by Verticillium dahliae which represents a serious threat for olive growing in Algeria. Many studies have shown the potential involvement of phenolic compounds in the reaction of plants to pathogens. Our study shows that the presence of Verticillium wilt induces a high production of polyphenols in infected olive trees compared to uninfected ones. The presence of high concentrations of flavonoids (3.45%) and alkaloids (0.44%) in the infected trees suggests that flavonoids and alkaloids may play a role in the olive tree resistance to verticillium wilt. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis showed the presence of five phenolic compounds: oleuropeine, luteonine, catechin, and for the first time verbascoside, apigenine-7-glycoside and some derivatives hydroxycinnamic compounds.  These substances are good resistance markers and should help to make efficient strategies for the biocontrol of verticillium wilt.

Key words: Olea europea var. Sigoise, verticillium wilt, Verticillium dahliae, phenolic compounds, resistance, HPLC.