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This study aimed to identify and evaluate the genetic diversity of olive trees in Jordan, a country located in the eastern Mediterranean, where olive domestication originated. For this purpose, a total of 386 olive trees were analyzed, including 338 collected from two surveys (JOCC-1 and JOCC-2) across seven regions, and 48 selected accessions from the Olive Germplasm Bank of Jordan (JGBOC). These trees underwent comprehensive phenotypic and molecular characterization using different tools. Significant differences inmorphological traits were detected among tested regions using the Chi-square test. Principal components analysis revealed that fruit color change and growth habit as the most discriminating traits, segregating the trees into two groups, with the first group including the KANABISI cultivar and the second group including the KFARI BALADI cultivar. Utilizing Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR assay, two sets of informative SNPs were used for the genetic diversity analysis. Cladograms were constructed using the maximum likelihood method, revealing a consistent pattern where two clades containing identical genotypes were observed to cluster with the KFARI BALADI or KANABISI. In addition, the SNP data was used to perform a comparative analysis with the Worldwide Olive Germplasm Bank of Co'rdoba, which revealed 73 unreported olive genotypes from Jordan. Genetic structure analyses using Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components (DAPC) identified four clusters with distinctive patterns of relatedness among 149 unique accessions, including 52 olive accessions from various Mediterranean countries (IOCC-3). ADMIXTURE analysis revealed four genetic clusters, consistentwith the clustering observed inDAPC and cladogram analysis, indicating a high level of genetic admixture among Jordanian olive germplasm. In conclusion, the results show that olive trees in Jordan are highly diverse, providing valuable information for future conservation and management plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trunk injection applies more nutrients in the correct volume and composition, delivering ideal results with fewer fertilizer treatments under drought-stress conditions. We used a completely randomized block design to examine the effects of trunk injection therapy on the development of drought stress tolerance in olive trees in arid climates. Treatments included seaweed extract (SWE), potassium amino acid chelate (PAC), calcium silicate (CS), and potassium silicate (PS) at five different concentrations: 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, and 4% for each treatment. Each treatment consisted of four replications – four dry replications for each treatment and four irrigation controls – each receiving weekly irrigation. The findings showed that, in comparison to drought control, trunk injection of PAC at a concentration of 2% enhances the relative water content of leaf and proline and decreases electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Chlorophyll a, carotenoids, and proline content are all significantly higher in the trunk after CS injection at a 4% concentration than in the control treatment. MDA and EL were also reduced. Injecting PS leads to an increase in proline and photosynthetic pigments. The SWE treatment improved the proline, relative leaf water content, and photosynthetic pigments. To sum up, trunk injection treatments under drought conditions improved plant photosynthetic pigments, increased proline content, prevented relative water content reduction, and prevented an increase in MDA and EL. In conclusion, among the several treatments, the use of 2% PS was the most effective at reducing the adverse effects of drought stress on olive plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides information about Obersee lake in Kißlegg, Germany, including its formation during the last Glacial period and its physical characteristics. It also discusses the sediment core obtained from the lake and the pollen record found in the core, covering the Late Weichselian and Holocene periods. The document presents the main parameters of the local pollen assemblage zones (LPAZs) for Obersee, listing dominant pollen types, upper limits, depths, and ages for each zone. It further explores changes in pollen composition over time, reflecting shifts in vegetation and human impact on the environment. The document acknowledges the researchers involved and states no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Although synthetic preservatives and antioxidants may have high antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, they are usually associated with adverse effects on human health. Currently, there is a growing interest in natural antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of two medicinal plant extracts and one active compound. Olive leaf extracts (0.2, 0.3, and 0.4% w/v), oleuropein (0.2, 0.4, and 0.6% w/v), thyme oil (0.1%), and oleuropein in combination with thyme oil (0.4% w/v and 0.1% v/v) were used against three bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus) and two fungal strains (Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger). Results: The use of oleuropein resulted in complete antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. In this context, a reduction of 7 logs was achieved during the storage period (4 weeks). Oleuropein showed no fungal activity at low concentrations (0.2%), but Aspergillus niger was reduced by 2.35 logs at higher concentrations (0.6% w/v). Similar antibacterial and antifungal properties were observed for the olive leaf extracts. Oleuropein at a concentration of 0.4 w/v and a mixture of oleuropein and thyme at concentrations of 0.4 and 0.1 (v/v) showed strong antimicrobial activity against the studied microorganisms. Conclusion: Olive leaf extract, thyme oil, and oleuropein have strong antibacterial and weak antifungal properties. There was a good synergistic effect between oleuropein and thymol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological control of pests can be enhanced by the presence of semi‐natural habitats within agricultural landscapes. However, this assumption remains controversial due to inconsistencies related to the type of agroecosystems and the natural enemies studied. Within olive orchards, there is a lack of information regarding the interaction among natural enemies and their relation with habitat structure to control pests at the landscape scale. Here, we investigate the effects of the natural habitat on the pest, pest damage and the interaction of pests and natural enemies – using a trophic guild approach, in organic olive orchards. For this, we decomposed the natural habitats into vegetation structures and analysed their effects with a multi‐scale perspective. Our results show that (1) greater proportions of natural habitats increase the abundance of ants (omnivores) and predators and diminish pest pressures – reducing the impact of Prays oleae on olive fruits. (2) Vegetation structures within natural habitats were grouped, based on their effects, into three main vegetation groups: grassland and forest, scrublands and olive trees. However, the dense scrubland and the dense forest improve the abundance of natural enemies that are linked to pest damage the most. (3) Prays oleae increases in landscapes dominated by low numbers of patches that are highly aggregated. Conversely, ants and predators increased in landscapes dominated by high numbers of patches that have a less edge‐resembling shape. (4) Within the olive canopy, the abundance of lacewing larvae and salticid spiders is related to lower pest damage and a reduction in P. oleae adults respectively. However, when ants and predators interact with the natural habitat, they can cope with pest pressures without the need for high abundances, supporting ‘the more‐effective natural enemy hypothesis’ in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated growth, yield and olive oil quality of mature pedestrian olive orchards. Trees of three Sicilian cultivars Calatina, Nocellara del Belice and Abunara were planted at four combinations of planting densities and training forms. Trees at 2 × 5 m were trained to central leader (CLx2), those at 3 × 5 m to free palmette (FPx3), those at 4 x 5 to globe vase (GVx4), and those at 5 x 5 to poly-conic vase (PVx5). 'Calatina' had the smallest trees in terms of trunk size in all growing systems, while canopy size of trees at higher densities was similar for all three cultivars. 'Calatina' was also the most growth efficient (m3 of canopy per cm2 of TCSA) and produced the least amount of pruning wood in the hedgerow systems (CLx2 and FPx3). Fruit yield per tree tended to be higher in more vigorous cultivars (Abunara and Nocellara) grown to 3D systems (GVx4 and PVx5), while 'Calatina' was the most yield efficient (kg of fruit per cm2 of TCSA) especially in the hedgerow growing systems. Fruit and oil yield per ha and average production value tended to be highest in CLx2 trees and lowest in GVx4 trees, with 'Calatina' showing the sharpest changes and 'Nocellara' the smallest changes among growing systems. According to the Jaen index, CLx2 tended to induce earlier fruit maturation, followed by PVx5, GVx4, and FPx3. The growing system did not affect oil fatty acid composition, while 'Calatina' had the highest amount of mono-unsaturated fatty acids and the lowest amount of saturated fatty acids. 'Abunara' oils exhibited the highest amount of total phenols in CLx2, while 'Calatina' and 'Nocellara' oils exhibited the highest amount in FPx3 and PVx5. Both, trans-2-hexenal ("cut grass" sensory note) and hexenyl acetate ("floral" sensory note) tended to be lowest in oils from trees grown at CLx2 and highest in those from trees grown at GVx4, showing a somewhat inverse relationship with fruit ripening degree. The outcome of the present study on mature pedestrian orchards shows that proper combinations of cultivars, planting densities, and training forms (canopy shape) may result in efficient intensive systems for growing olive in areas where super-high density systems cannot be profitable due to agronomic and environmental limitations (water shortage, steep sloping sites, small farm size, etc.). Pedestrian growing systems can also be used to exploit olive biodiversity by allowing the use of available local genotypes. For this reason, they may represent an effective and sustainable solution against unexpected climate changes and associated emerging diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive leaves are a rich source of polyphenols with healthful properties and represent one of the most abundant waste products of olive oil production. The aims of this study were to explore the phenolic composition of olive leaves from the three main Tuscan cultivars (Leccino, Moraiolo and Frantoio) collected in Siena and Grosseto provinces and to investigate the possible use of these compounds as varietal and geographic origin markers. Discriminant factorial analysis (DFA) was used for distinguishing between different cultivars and locations. Apigenin and caffeoyl-secologanoside showed significant differences between cultivars. DFA showed that ligstroside, apigenin and luteolin have the most influence in determining the differences between sites, whereas total polyphenols, olacein and hydroxytyrosol acetate allowed for separation between leaves from the same province. The results of the present study indicate that concentrations of phenolic compounds, measured through high-resolution mass spectrometry, can be used as a marker for both the cultivar and of geographical origin of olive leaves, and possibly of olive-related products, as well as across small geographic scales (less than 50 km distance between sites). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a landmark study, oleocanthal (OLC), a major phenolic in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), was found to possess anti-inflammatory activity similar to ibuprofen, involving inhibition of cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. EVOO is a rich source of bioactive compounds including fatty acids and phenolics; however, the biological activities of only a small subset of compounds associated with Olea europaea have been explored. Here, the OliveNetTM library (consisting of over 600 compounds) was utilized to investigate olive-derived compounds as potential modulators of the arachidonic acid pathway. Our first aim was to perform enzymatic assays to evaluate the inhibitory activity of a selection of phenolic compounds and fatty acids against COX isoforms (COX-1 and COX-2) and 15-lipoxygenase (15-LOX). Olive compounds were found to inhibit COX isoforms, with minimal activity against 15-LOX. Subsequent molecular docking indicated that the olive compounds possess strong binding affinities for the active site of COX isoforms, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations confirmed the stability of binding. Moreover, olive compounds were predicted to have favorable pharmacokinetic properties, including a readiness to cross biological membranes as highlighted by steered MD simulations and umbrella sampling. Importantly, olive compounds including OLC were identified as non-inhibitors of the human ether-à-go-go-related gene (hERG) channel based on patch clamp assays. Overall, this study extends our understanding of the bioactivity of Olea-europaea-derived compounds, many of which are now known to be, at least in part, accountable for the beneficial health effects of the Mediterranean diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Allergen immunotherapy is the only modifying treatment of the natural course of respiratory allergic diseases; however, the lack of evidence leads to little inconclusive results. Real life studies are on the rise and are becoming a valuable tool to confirm and complement findings from clinical trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a depigmented-polymerized undiluted subcutaneous extract of grass and olive pollen, under routine clinical practice conditions. Methods: This was an observational, retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study on the use of a 2-pollen (grass mix and Olea europaea) undiluted subcutaneous extract over at least 3 consecutive years. Data were collected from 76 patients (n = 44 female; median age: 12.5 years old) diagnosed with allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with/without allergic asthma due to sensitization to both grasses and O. europaea. Primary and secondary effectiveness endpoints were symptom severity, concomitant medication, and immunological profile before and after completing the immunotherapy. A 2-year follow-up of patients’ symptoms and medication history after completing the subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) was performed. Results: There was a significant improvement of symptoms and medication consumption after 3 years of SCIT treatment, and a significant decrease in specific IgE levels for grasses and O. europaea was observed after finishing the treatment. Conclusion: Three years treatment of allergic patients using an undiluted mixture of two allergen extracts was shown to be safe and effective for rhinitis and asthma, with efficacy maintained for at least 2 years after finishing SCIT. These results reinforce the importance of real life clinical data in addition to those from clinical trials, helping to individualize allergic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Olive trees are one of the most important crops in the Mediterranean, especially in Morocco, and they are vulnerable to various soil-borne pathogens that can cause significant yield losses and economic damage. This study aimed to investigate the diversity, abundance, and community composition of phytopathogenic nematodes in Moroccan olive agroecosystems, and to evaluate the impact of agroecological patterns on their abundance. Methods: Soil and root samples were collected from 13 olive-growing localities across 7 Moroccan regions (43 nurseries/22 orchards), and nematodes were ecologically assessed through the calculation of several diversity indices (e.g., Shannon Index, Evenness, and Plant Parasitic Index). In addition, the main nematode genera were evaluated in terms of soil types, irrigation regimes, and landscape complexity. Results: The obtained results revealed the presence of a diverse and complex community of phytopathogenic nematodes represented by 25 genera, including Meloidogyne, Pratylenchus, and Helicotylenchus among others. The abundance and diversity of nematodes varied significantly between the different regions and agroecological patterns, with higher densities observed in simple landscapes and higher irrigation regimes. Moreover, the community of dominant nematodes was influenced by soil types. Root-knot nematodes were the most prevalent in sandy soils, while root-lesion nematodes were significantly present in the clayish setting. The occurrence and severity of nematode damage were also correlated with the overall taxonomic richness shaped in different olive landscape modes. Conclusion: This study provides updated information and prospects into nematode sustainable monitoring and management in North African olive agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the role of Apis cerana cerana in olive tree (Olea europaea L.) pollination, pollinators and pollen carried by bees were collected from 11 experimental plots during the flowering period. The abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were investigated using DNA metabarcoding. A total of 583 pollinators were collected and A. cerana cerana accounts for 46.83%. Further analysis revealed a total of 56 families, 136 genera and 195 plant species in bee pollens. O. europaea is the dominant species accounting for 42.02 ± 34.89% and then followed by Sedum japonicum (8.70 ± 16.42%). Diversity index showed that the abundance and diversity of pollen plant species were the highest in Wanzhou (WZ) and lowest in Hechuan (HC). This suggests that Wanzhou sample plot has a greater abundance of plant species to supplement the bee diet. Excessive presence of miscellaneous flowering plants in olive plantations can distract bees from collecting olive tree pollens. Therefore, their abundances can be reduced appropriately while ensuring food diversity for the bees. Based on the abundance of plants in pollens, we recommend that appropriately planting of S. japonicum, Youngia japonica and Vicia villosa in olive plantations with fewer flowering plants could be an effective supplement of bee food. Our results not only contribute to future studies on olive tree pollination but also provide new ideas for enriching flowering plants in or around olive plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study aimed at the solution of stability problems of extra virgin olive oil rich (oil:aqueous phase ratio = 50:50) model oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared with pectin using green tea (GTE) and grape seed extracts (GSE), and (+)‐catechin (CAT). Olive oil‐in‐water emulsion prepared with pectin at 0.5% (w/v) without phenolics lost 36% of its stability within 1 day. GTE at 1% (w/v) caused a limited increase in emulsion stability while emulsions with GSE at ≥0.25% or CAT at 1% maintained >90% of their stability after 14 days. GSE and CAT reduced the emulsion droplet size (2.6‐ and 1.9‐fold) while GTE increased the emulsion droplet size (1.5‐fold). Emulsions with GSE showed the smallest and most densely packed lipid droplets. The highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity in emulsions were obtained with CAT followed by GSE and GTE. This work is significant in that it showed the possibility of using GSE to obtain stable extra virgin olive oil emulsion‐based functional foods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensitive irrigation programming requires both a good knowledge of plant physiology regarding water use and the monitoring of the effect of water stress on plant physiology. In this study, the effect of different irrigation strategies on full-grown olive trees of the Memecik variety irrigated by the drip irrigation method was investigated over three crop seasons (2012–2013, 2013–2014, and 2014–2015), and the possibility of using these strategies in forming an irrigation program was examined. The experiment consisted of five irrigation treatments with three replications in a random block design. One significant finding after the three years of observation in the study was that it was possible to determine in a simple and sensitive way the temporal responses of olive trees under conditions of water stress with predawn plant water potential, stomatal conductance, and plant water stress index but not chlorophyll content (SPAD value). Statistically significant differences were found between the treatments in the measurements made. Taking into account the three-year averages of treatment values for water applications, acceptable threshold values for predawn plant water potential, stomatal conductance, and plant water stress index are −1.64 MPa , 330 mmol m−2 s−1 , and 0.37, respectively. It is easy to put these measurements into practice, and doing so will enable very significant water savings in Mediterranean climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: As a result of the ineffectiveness of existing control methods against Verticillium dahliae, the causal agent of verticillium wilt of olive (Olea europaea; VWO), it is necessary to search for sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives, such as bioprotection by products based on plant extracts and other naturally synthesized compounds. Therefore, present study aimed to evaluate the effects of seven natural‐based commercial products on the inhibition of mycelial growth, the germination of V. dahliae conidia and microsclerotia, and disease progression in olive plants (cv. Picual). Aluminium lignosulfonate and a copper phosphonate salt (copper phosphite) were included for comparative purposes. RESULTS: The seaweed and willow extracts and copper phosphite inhibited V. dahliae mycelial growth by more than 50% at the high doses tested. Most of the products inhibited conidial germination by up to 90% compared to the control at the high doses tested. However, none of the products showed efficacy above 50% in inhibiting microsclerotia germination. The willow extract was the most effective at reducing disease severity and progression in olive plants, with no significant differences compared to the non‐inoculated negative control. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that the use of natural‐based products (i.e. seaweed and willow extracts) is a potential sustainable alternative in an integrated VWO control strategy. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): Evaluating the effect of fresh Oleaster leaf extract (OLE) and purified oleuropein (OLR) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcers in rats. HPLC analysis demonstrates the presence of various polyphenol compounds such as ligstroside, luteolin derivative, oleuropein, and comselogoside. Materials and Methods: Gastric ulcer was induced by administration of ethanol by the gastric gavage route. The olive leaf extract was analyzed by HPLC-PDA-ESI-MS, and OLR was purified. These two compounds were given 2 hr before gastric ulcer induction by ethanol. Results: This study verified that OLE and purified OLR protect from ethanol-induced gastric ulceration and damage, evidenced by the significant decrease in gastric ulcer urea (by 74 and 58% respectively) and stomach mucus content (by 169 and 87% respectively). In addition, the ulcer index (UI) and curative index (CI) levels in the stomach of the rats treated with this supplement were also suppressed by 55 and 46%, respectively. OLE and OLR also decreased the gastric myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and ameliorated the nitric oxide (NO) content. OLE and OL also ingestion suppressed gastric tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-6) rates. Macroscopic and histological findings revealed that OLE and OLR protect from gastric hemorrhage, severe disruption of the gastric mucosa, and neutrophil infiltration. Conclusion: Overall, the findings demonstrate that OLE and OLR have both promising potential with regard to the inhibition of gastric hemorrhage and lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, many farmers use new types of fertilizers to enhance fruit set and development and enhance the resilience of olive trees to climate change. In parallel, NO3− leaching in the soil and water threat the environment pointing toward a more sustainable nutrient management. This study investigated the effect of AMINO-16©, a commercial product derived from hydrolysis/extraction of protein-rich plant material and contains sixteen L-amino acids, on vegetative growth, flowering, nutritional status, yield, and oil qualitative characteristics of 'Koroneiki' olives on the Mediterranean island of Crete in Greece. We conducted a field experiment with amino acid foliar sprays for two growing seasons in a commercial irrigated olive grove. Treatments comprised (a) no amino acid application (Control), (b) three applications (summer 2014, winter 2015, and spring 2015) of AMINO-16 (A16-A), and (c) one application (winter 2015) of AMINO-16 (A16-B). The A16-A treatment (three sprays) significantly increased the number of inflorescences, the fruit set, and the number of fruits per shoot. Fruit yield and olive oil yield were higher than those of the control by 10.6 and 18%, respectively. In addition, leaf nutrient levels and the quality characteristics of olive oil in both treatments were not differentiated from the control. Overall, foliar fertilization with amino acids could enhance plant growth. Future research using amino acids at different reproductive and vegetative stages of olive trees is likely to further improve olive oil yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The olive tree (Olea europaea L.) is an evergreen tree that occupies 19% of the woody crop area and is cultivated in 67 countries on five continents. The largest olive production region is concentrated in the Mediterranean basin, where the olive tree has had an enormous economic, cultural, and environmental impact since the 7th century BC. In the Mediterranean region, salinity stands out as one of the main abiotic stress factors significantly affecting agricultural production. Moreover, climate change is expected to lead to increased salinization in this region, threatening olive productivity. Salt stress causes combined damage by osmotic stress and ionic toxicity, restricting olive growth and interfering with multiple metabolic processes. A large variability in salinity tolerance among olive cultivars has been described. This paper aims to synthesize information from the published literature on olive adaptations to salt stress and its importance in salinity tolerance. The morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular mechanisms of olive tolerance to salt stress are reviewed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean region's harsh conditions, characterized by low rainfall, high solar radiation, and elevated temperatures, pose challenges for vegetation, particularly in the face of climate change. Cultivated olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. europaea) holds historical and economic significance as one of the oldest crops in the Mediterranean. Due to their high germplasm diversity and greater flowering abundance compared to the offspring of cultivated olives, wild olives (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) could be utilized for selecting new olive cultivars capable of adapting to a changing climate. This research aimed to compare the effects of salt and drought stress on wild and cultivated genotypes by analyzing morphological, physiological, and biochemical parameters. Results showed that shoot length, shoot dry mass, and leaf area are key drought stress indicators in wild olive trees. The results indicated the olive trees more susceptible to salinity stress had lower Na+ and Cl- concentrations in their leaves and took longer to stabilize salt ion levels. Decreased K+ content in roots across all treatments indicated a general stress response. The uptake of Ca2+ appears to be the most energy-efficient response of olive trees to short-term salinity and drought. In contrast to proline and malondialdehyde, trends in superoxide dismutase activity suggest that it is a reliable indicator of salinity and drought stress. Regarding olive adaptability to salinity stress, promising results obtained with two wild olive genotypes merit their further physiological study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agroclimatic variables may affect insect and plant phenology, with unpredictable effects on pest populations and crop losses. Bactrocera oleae Rossi (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a specific pest of Olea europaea plants that can cause annual economic losses of more than one billion US dollars in the Mediterranean region. In this study, we aimed at understanding the effect of olive tree phenology and other agroclimatic variables on B. oleae infestation dynamics in the Umbria region (Central Italy). Analyses were carried out on B. oleae infestation data collected in 79 olive groves during a 7-year period (from 2015 to 2021). In July-August, B. oleae infestation (1% attack) was negatively affected by altitude and spring mean daily temperatures and positively by higher wintermean daily temperatures and olive tree cumulative degree days. In September-October, infestation was negatively affected by a positive soil water balance and high spring temperatures. High altitude and cumulative plant degree days were related to delayed attacks. In contrast, high winter and spring temperatures accelerated them. Our results could be helpful for the development of predictive models and for increasing the reliability of decision support systems currently used in olive orchards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an important Mediterranean tree species with a longstanding history of cultivation, boasting a diverse array of local cultivars. While traditional olive orchards are valued for their cultural and aesthetic significance, they often face economic sustainability challenges in the modern context. The success of both traditional and newly introduced cultivars (e.g. those obtained by cross-breeding) is hindered by self-incompatibility, a prevalent issue for this species that results in low fruit set when limited genetic diversity is present. Further, biological, environmental, and agronomic factors have been shown to interlink in shaping fertilization patterns, hence impacting on the final yield. Climatic conditions during pollination, such as excessive rainfall or high temperatures, can further exacerbate the problem. In this work, we provide an overview of the various factors that trigger the phenomenon of suboptimal fruit set in olive trees. This work provides a comprehensive understanding of the interplay among these factors, shedding light on potential mechanisms and pathways that contribute to the observed outcomes in the context of self-incompatibility in olive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using experimental results related to the biosorption of Fe(III) by activated carbon derived from olive pit waste, we developed and evaluated four artificial neural network (ANN) models in this study, namely MLP-ANN, RBF-ANN, GR-ANN, and PSO-ANN, to predict the removal efficiency of Fe(III) during the adsorption process. The purpose of these models was to forecast the effect of the following five important operational variables: the initial concentration, time, stirring speed, temperature, and biosorbent dose. We conducted a thorough assessment of the performance of these models and compared their ability to predict the removal capacity. Several statistical metrics have been used to quantify the quality of the different models. The results calculated by the machine learning models were analyzed and compared with the experimental results. The obtained values of the coefficient of determination were 0.9997 for the PSO-ANN model, 0.991 for the GR-ANN model, 0.983 for the RBF-ANN model, and 0.837 for the MLP-ANN model concerning the removal efficiency. All the studied models are able to accurately predict the adsorbed quantity. ANOVA analysis was used to evaluate the effect of the parameters inherent to the PSO-ANN model. The PSO-ANN model proves to be a powerful tool for estimating the efficiency of Fe(III) ion removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Olive cultivation, like other evergreen fruit cropsworldwide, is limited by the occurrence of frost episodes in different times of the year, mainly in winter or early spring. Some contradictory results are reported about cultivars' response to frost, which depends on the physiological stage of the tissues (acclimated or not acclimated) when the cold or frost episode occurs. This work aimed to implement a user-friendly and reliable lab method for discerning frost tolerance. Methods: Our methodology considered both detached leaves and potted plantlets. The optimal temperature at which damage differentiated between cultivars was evaluated, as well as the time of exposure to cold and the recovery time for the correct evaluation of the symptoms. Furthermore, a comparative analysis of damage on both young and mature leaves was conducted. To validate the efficacy of the methodology, assessments were conducted on the cultivars 'Arbequina' (tolerant), 'Picual' (moderately tolerant), and 'Frantoio' (susceptible) under acclimated and non-acclimated conditions. Results and discussion: The results indicated that, when detached leaves were used for frost evaluation, a temperature of -10°C ± 1°C for 30 min and a recovery time at 26°C for 24-48 h after exposure to cold are enough to induce damages on the leaves and discriminate between cultivar susceptibility. Under these conditions, a precise assessment of symptoms can be made, facilitating the categorization of frost tolerance level in various olive cultivars. Notably, no significant differences were observed between young and mature leaves during the evaluation process. On the other hand, the critical temperature to assess damages on potted plantlets was determined to be -7°C ± 1°C. In addition, it was observed that acclimated plants exhibited fewer symptoms compared to non-acclimated ones, with 'Frantoio' being the most affected alongside 'Picual' and 'Arbequina'. Conclusion: The implemented methodology will allow the assessment of frost tolerance in several olive cultivars within a short timeframe, and it is proven to be user-friendly and reliable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study aims to uncover the early life‐history stages of Systomus sarana, a medium‐sized smiliogastrin cyprinid important for aquaculture in South Asia. The fish were effectively bred in captivity by administering 0.25 mL of breeding hormone per kilogram of fish. The spawning occurred 8.54 ± 0.55 h after the injection, and the eggs were phyto‐lithophilic with a pale yellow color and a diameter of 1.49 ± 0.04 mm. Hatching occurred 17 h after fertilization, and the yolk‐sac larvae of 3.43 ± 0.08 mm total length (TL) were adhering to the plant parts and other substrata with the cement glands on the forehead. On the third day, with complete absorption of the yolk sac and the disappearance of the attachment organ, the pre‐flexion larvae measured 5.3 ± 0.11 mm TL. On the eighth day, the flexion larvae measured 6 ± 0.4 mm TL with a well‐inflated posterior swim bladder, and the post‐flexion larvae, at 11 days post‐hatching (dph), developed a two‐chambered gas bladder. The juvenile stage, on day 21 post‐hatching, was marked by the loss of the median finfolds and the appearance of black blotches on the caudal, subdorsal, and supra‐anal regions. The commencement of squamation and the appearance of the rudiments of maxillary barbels distinguished the juvenile stage. The subadults measuring 4.6 ± 0.36 cm TL had finished squamation and completely lost the subdorsal and supra‐anal blotches. We propose that the presence of subdorsal blotches is a distinctive ontogenetic and systematic feature of larval and juvenile forms of smiliogastrin barbs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean will be one of the focal points of climate change. The predicted dry and hot summers will lead to water scarcity in agriculture, which may limit crop production and growth. The olive tree serves as a model woody plant for studying drought stress and improving water resource management; thus, it is critical to identify genotypes that are more drought tolerant and perform better under low irrigation or even rainfed conditions. In this study, the metabolomic approach was used to highlight variations in metabolites in stems and leaves of three Italian olive cultivars (previously characterized physiologically) under two and four weeks of drought stress. Phenolic and lipophilic profiles were obtained by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, respectively. The findings identified the leaf as the primary organ in which phenolic variations occurred. The Maurino cultivar exhibited a strong stress response in the form of phenolic compound accumulation, most likely to counteract oxidative stress. The phenolic compound content of ‘Giarraffa’ and ‘Leccino’ plants remained relatively stable whether they were exposed to drought or not. Variations in the lipid profile occurred in leaves and stems of all the cultivars. A high accumulation of compounds related to epicuticular wax components was observed in the leaf of ‘Giarraffa’, while a strong reduction of lipids and long-chain alkanes occurred in ‘Maurino’ when exposed to drought stress conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive leaves (OLLs) are an exceptional bioresource of natural polyphenols with proven antioxidant activity, yet the applicability of OLL extracts is constrained by the relatively high polarity of the major polyphenols, which occur as glycosides. To overcome this limitation, OLLs were subjected to both hydrothermal and ethanol organosolv treatments, fostered by acid catalysis to solicit in parallel increased polyphenol recovery and polyphenol modification into simpler, lower-polarity substances. After an initial screening of natural organic acids, oxalic acid (OxAc) was found to be the highest-performing catalyst. The extraction behavior using OxAc-catalyzed hydrothermal and ethanol organosolv treatments was appraised using kinetics, while treatment optimization was accomplished by deploying response-surface methodology. The comparative assessment of the composition extracts produced under optimal conditions of residence time and temperature was performed with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and revealed that OLLs treated with 50% ethanol/1.5% HCl suffered extensive oleuropein and flavone glycoside hydrolysis, affording almost 23.4 mg hydroxytyrosol and 2 mg luteolin per g dry weight. On the other hand, hydrothermal treatment with 5% OxAc provided 20.2 and 0.12 mg of hydroxytyrosol and luteolin, respectively. Apigenin was in all cases a minor extract constituent. The study presented herein demonstrated for the first time the usefulness of using a natural, food-grade organic acid to perform such a task, yet further investigation is needed to maximize the desired effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroxytyrosol (HT) is a polyphenol found in the olive plant (Olea europaea) that has garnered attention from the food, feed, supplement, and pharmaceutical industries. HT has evolved from basic separation and extraction to chemical and biocatalytic synthesis. The yield of HT can reach 1.93 g/L/h through chemical synthesis and 7.7 g/L/h through biocatalysis; however, both methods are subject to inherent limitations. Furthermore, the potential health benefits associated with HT have been highlighted, including its ability to act as an antioxidant, reduce inflammation, combat cancer and obesity, and exert antibacterial and antiviral effects. Its neuroprotective effects, skin protection, and wound healing capabilities are also discussed. Given these remarkable biological properties, HT stands out as one of the most extensively investigated natural phenols. This review highlights future methods and pathways for the synthesis of HT, providing insights based on its bioactivity characteristics, health benefits, and potential future applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of olive leaves, long integral to Mediterranean traditional medicine, as a rich source of valuable compounds. The challenge lies in their considerable water content, hindering these compounds' full valorization. Four drying methods (air-drying, oven-drying, freeze-drying and solar-drying) were investigated for their impact on nutrient and bioactive compound content in the leaves of four olive varieties ("Arbequina", "Koroneiki", "Menara" and "Picholine Marocaine") cultivated in Morocco. In their fresh state, "Picholine Marocaine" exhibited the highest protein levels (6.11%), "Arbequina" had the highest phenolic content (20.18 mg gallic acid equivalents/g fresh weight (FW)), and "Koroneiki" and "Menara" were highest in flavonoids (3.28 mg quercetin equivalents/g FW). Specific drying methods proved optimal for different varieties. Oven-drying at 60 °C and 70 °C effectively preserved protein, while phenolic content varied with drying conditions. Air-drying and freeze-drying demonstrated effectiveness for flavonoids. In addition, an analytical approach using high-performance liquid chromatography and diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) was applied to investigate the effects of the different drying methods on the bioactive fraction of the analyzed samples. The results showed qualitative and quantitative differences depending on both the variety and the drying method used. A total of 11 phenolic compounds were tentatively identified, with oleuropein being the most abundant in all the samples analyzed. The freeze-dried samples showed the highest content of oleuropein in the varieties "Arbequina" and "Picholine Marocaine" compared to the other methods analyzed. In contrast, "Koroneiki" and "Menara" had higher oleuropein content when air dried. Overall, the obtained results highlight the importance of tailored drying techniques for the preservation of nutrients and bioactive compounds in olive leaves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The utilization of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes is of great importance to the health of the indigenous population on the African continent. The high cost of orthodox conventional medicines coupled with the perceived side effects encourages the high patronage of indigenous medicinal plants in the management of this metabolic disorder. We conducted a review on the indigenous African medicinal plants that could be useful in preclinical and clinical trials in the field of diabetes mellitus research. (2) Methods: Data were mined from research articles published and associated with the use of medicinal plants in the management of diabetes on the African continent (from January 2019 to March 2024). Literature from ethnobotanical studies on the African continent was searched from the Google Scholar, SCOPUS, Medline, Web of Science and PubMed databases. We employed the following keywords: "indigenous plants", "diabetes in Africa" and "antidiabetic effect of medicinal plants". (3) Results: A total of 52 medicinal plants belonging to 31 families were recorded in this study. Amaryllidaceae (14.28%), Fabaceae (9.52%) and Asteraceae (9.52%) were the most cited plant families. The frequently used indigenous medicinal plants on the African continent were Allium sativum L. (n = 6), Olea europaea L. (n = 6), Azadirachta indica A. Juss (n = 5), Allium cepa L. (n = 5) and Moringa oleifera Lam. (n = 5). The highly cited parts of the plant used in the management of diabetes were the leaves (45.55%), bark (14.44%) and bulbs (12.22%). The preferred methods of the preparation of herbal medicines were decoction (45.23%) and infusion (25%). Oral (52.32%) was the preferred route of the administration of herbal medicine on the African continent. (4) Conclusions: The data revealed some similarities in the way countries on the African continent manage diabetes. This interesting observation will assist in our quest towards obtaining a standardized protocol using indigenous medicinal plants to combat diseases on the African continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a precious and healthy ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine. Due to its high nutritional value, the interest of consumers in the composition of EVOO is constantly increasing, making it a product particularly exposed to fraud. Therefore, there is a need to properly valorize high-quality EVOO and protect it from fraudulent manipulations to safeguard consumer choices. In our study, we used a straightforward and easy method to assess the molecular traceability of 28 commercial EVOO samples based on the use of SSR molecular markers. A lack of correspondence between the declared origin of the samples and the actual origin of the detected varieties was observed, suggesting possible adulteration. This result was supported by the identification of private alleles based on a large collection of national and international olive varieties and the search for them in the molecular profile of the analyzed samples. We demonstrated that the proposed method is a rapid and straightforward approach for identifying the composition of an oil sample and verifying the correspondence between the origin of olives declared on the label and that of the actual detected varieties, allowing the detection of possible adulterations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the last years, olive pomace, a by-product of olive oil extraction, has shown great interest. The work aims to valorize the olive pomace of two Sardinian olive cultivars, Bosana and Semidana, by incorporating them into the formulation of functional baked products to improve their nutritional value. The freeze-dried pomace of the two varieties has been used to substitute the type 00 flour in percentages of 1, 2, and 3% (w/w). The olive pomace was characterized by macro-composition analysis, while the bread samples were characterized for their proximate, physical, technological, sensory characteristics and shelf life. The specific volume of fortified samples decreased significantly compared to the control, while antioxidant activity, and nutritional parameters were significantly improved using olive pomace. Moreover, fortified samples showed a reduction of browning and whiteness indices with respect to control. Textural profile analysis showed a firmer product, compared to the control, with higher levels of olive pomace which also positively affected the cell size distribution in the crumb. Sensorially, consumers were mostly appealed by the 1% levels of substitution of olive pomace, in particular that of the Bosana. Hardness of all samples increased significantly along 7 days of storage thus resulting in a shelf life of less than 3 days. Therefore, it can be concluded that the incorporation of olive pomace, especially at low levels (1%), into white bread significantly improves the nutritional and sensorial quality of bread without significantly affecting its technological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we focus on exploring the medicinal potential of Olea Europaea L., a commonly used plant with diverse indigenous medicinal applications. The main aim is to identify promising phytoconstituents from Olea Europaea L. leaves that can act as inhibitors for the PTP-1B target, utilizing an in silico approach. The phytoconstituents were sourced from the IMMPAT database, and molecular docking was employed to assess their binding affinities. The docking results revealed that rutin (−10.05 kcal/mol) and quercetin (−8.28 kcal/mol) displayed the highest binding scores against PTP-1B, outperforming reference compounds. Furthermore, MM-GBSA calculations indicated favorable free binding energy. To ensure stability, 200 ns Molecular Dynamics simulations were conducted on the 2QBS-Rutin complex. The results revealed that the 2QBS-Rutin complex showed stable conformation throughout the simulation, maintaining consistency with RMSD values below 1 Å. This study highlights rutin and quercetin as promising phytoconstituents from Olea Europaea L. leaves, demonstrating potent-binding affinities against PTP-1B inhibitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive (Olea europaea) phytochemicals are associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes. Table olives typically have higher phytochemical concentrations than olive oil, but their impact on human intestinal α-glucosidase is largely unknown. Shinzuke, the most common trade preparation in Japan, are alkali-treated non-fermented green olives. In contrast, natural olives are debittered by brining, which may enhance phytochemical retention. We evaluated the α-glucosidase inhibitory effect of Shinzuke and natural green olives produced in-house and compared them with commercial table olives. Eight types of table olives were tested against human intestinal α-glucosidase. Shinzuke Mission was the least effective (IC50 0.710 ± 0.058 mg/mL), while Natural green olives showed double to triple activity, with a non-competitive mechanism. Natural table olives retained more phytochemicals than shinzuke and other treated olives, and are good inhibitors of human α-glucosidase in vitro, exhibiting potential as a functional food for the management of postprandial glycaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) is a quarantine plant pathogen capable of colonizing the xylem of a wide range of hosts. Currently, there is no cure able to eliminate the pathogen from a diseased plant, but several integrated su-alegies have been implemented for containing the spread of Xf. Nanotechnology represents an innovative strategy based on the possibility of maximizing the potential antibacterial activity by increasing the surface-to-volume ratio of nanoscale formulations. Nanoparticles based on chitosan and/or fosetyl-Al have shown different in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Xf subsp. fastidiosa (Xff) and pauca (Xfp). This work-demonstrated the uptake of chitosan-coated fosetyl-Al nanocrystals (CH-nanoFos) by roots and their localization in the stems and leaves of Olea europaea plants. Additionally, the antibacterial activity of fosetyl-Al, nano-fosetyl, nano-chitosan, and CH-nanoFos was tested on Nicotiana tabacum cultivar SRI (Petite Havana) inoculated with X/7 Xfp, or Xf subsp. multiplex (Xfin). The bacterial load was evaluated with qPCR. and the results showed that CH-nanoFos was the only treatment able to reduce the colonization of Xff, Xfin, and Xfp in tobacco plants. Additionally, the area under the disease progress curve, used to assess symptom development in tobacco plants inoculated with Xff, Xfin, and Xfp and treated with CH-nanoFos, showed a reduction in symptom development. Furthermore, the twitching assay and bacterial growth under microfluidic conditions confirmed the antibacterial activity of CH-nanoFos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is an evergreen tree species that grows naturally in regions with Mediterranean climates. Its oil and fruits are commercially valuable. Olive oil contains high levels of omega-9 (oleic acid). Because the high percentage of oleic acid makes olive oil deterioration-resistant, the development of olive varieties containing high oleic acid is one of the major goals of olive breeding programs. Therefore, this study aimed to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the fatty acid composition of olive oil. Thus, early selection of olive genotypes with a high oleic acid content can be possible. For the determination of QTLs affecting the fatty acid composition of olive oil, a high-density genetic map was developed using a segregating olive F1 population with 121 progeny and single- nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers based on genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The 2892.14 cM genetic map was composed of 3254 SNP markers on 23 chromosomes, with an average distance of 0.93 cM. For QTL analysis, the fatty acid composition of the segregating olive F1 population was determined using gas chromatography in two different years. A total of 31 QTLs were discovered in the first year and 29 in the second year. Common QTLs associated with fatty acid composition in both years have been found on chromosome 1, chromosome 2, and chromosome 10. For oleic acid, 11 QTLs were discovered in the first year and 12 QTLs in the second year. With these results, the QTLs linked to fatty acid synthesis in olive oil can be used as genetic resources for marker-assisted selection (MAS) in olive breeding studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Climate change is endangering olive groves. Farmers are adapting by exploring new varieties of olive trees and examining the role of microbiomes in plant health. The main objectives of this work were to determine the primary factors that influence the microbiome of olive trees and to analyze the connection between the rhizosphere and endosphere compartments. Methods and Results The rhizosphere and xylem sap microbiomes of two olive tree varieties were characterized by next-generation 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and soil descriptors were analyzed. Bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of olive trees were more diverse than those found in the xylem sap. Pseudomonadota, Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteriota, and Bacillota were the dominant phyla in both compartments. At the genus level, only very few taxa were shared between soil and sap bacterial communities. Conclusions The composition of the bacteriome was more affected by the plant compartment than by the olive cultivar or soil properties, and a direct route from the rhizosphere to the endosphere could not be confirmed. The large number of plant growth-promoting bacteria found in both compartments provides promising prospects for improving agricultural outcomes through microbiome engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heaping is an unavoidable process before olive milling, and its duration significantly affects the olive quality. However, there is limited research on the quality changes of olive fruits on a short-time scale. To gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying postharvest deterioration of olives, this study piled olives at room temperature and extracted oil at 0, 8, 24, 48 and 72 h to analyze oil quality parameters. Gas/Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/LC–MS) techniques were employed to investigate variations in metabolite contents. Concurrently, the transcriptional profiles of olives during heaping were examined. As piling time progressed, quality indicators declined, and stored fruit were categorized into three groups based on their quality characters: '0 h' belongs to the first category, '8 h' and '24 h' to the second category, and '48 h' and '72 h' to the third category. Metabolite changes were consistent with the expression patterns of genes related to their synthesis pathways. Additionally, ethylene was identified as a crucial factor influencing fruit senescence. These findings establish a foundation for further research on olive deterioration after harvesting and offer insights for optimizing olive oil production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research focuses on the seasonal patterns of the ecophysiological recovery of four olive cultivars (Arbequina, Coratina, Frantoio, and Urano), both micropropagated and self-rooted, grown in a mature, irrigated, super high-density (SHD) orchard under Mediterranean conditions (Southern of Italy). The aim was to observe the impact of the micropropagation method on the ecophysiological responses. Ecophysiological parameters, including leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance (gs), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), and transpiration rate (E) were assessed. Self-rooted trees consistently exhibited superior gs, E, and Pn recovery compared to the micropropagated ones. 'Arbequina' maintained elevated levels of Pn under water-deficit conditions. 'Coratina' exhibited increases in gs and E after irrigation. 'Frantoio' demonstrated recovery capabilities, with lower LWP and higher Pn under stress. 'Urano' micropropagated trees achieved higher gs values in mid-summer, while self-rooted trees sustained higher Pn later in the season. This field research highlighted the important role of the propagation method in optimizing the physiological performance of olive cultivars in SHD orchards. Furthermore, it highlighted the necessity of long-term studies on the effects of propagation methods and their interactions with other farming practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The presence of the olive tree in Tuscany, Italy, in its forms that have survived to the present day as an essential component of the landscape dates back many centuries. Global change is now threatening it. Therefore, it is important to find markers to enhance the olive tree environment in terms of its resilience. The aim of the research was to investigate the composition of soil bacteriomes in contrasting geochemical environments using a geochemistry approach based on the behavior of the REEs, inherited from parent rock material. Bacteriome assemblages and REE content were analyzed in 48 topsoils developed in six geochemical Tuscan environments. Combined geochemical, geoinformatic, and bioinformatic techniques highlighted the existence of four bacteriome assemblages depending on Light-REEs. Further results showed that the soil bioavailable fraction of REEs was related to parent rock materials, pH, and bacteriome composition. The most abundant bacteria were Microlunatus in graded fluvio-lacustrine soils, Gaiella in graded arenaceous soils, Bradyrizhobium in pyroclastic soils, and Rubrobacter in soils on gentle slopes of calcareous and carbonatic lithologies. This research represents a starting point to define new indicators able to assess the resilience of the olive trees in the Mediterranean landscape and characterize the territory of extra virgin olive oils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enriched olive oil combines olive oil with plants for enhanced flavor and potential health benefits, offering a versatile culinary ingredient. This process combines the natural goodness of olive oil with the unique characteristics of plants. The aim of this work was to study the effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a food additive (E 392) in the enrichment of ripe and fallen olives on the quality of the resulting flavored olive oil. Olive fruits at different stages of maturation green (ST1), mixed (ST2), black (ST3), and fallen in the ground (FO) were crushed with rosemary at two different percentages (2 and 5% w/w). Quality parameters, fatty acid profile, antioxidant profile, and volatile composition were evaluated. For ST3 and FO, rosemary addition decreased free acidity values, peroxide index, K232, and pigment content. Total phenols increased by 34 and 55% for ST3 and FO, respectively with 2% rosemary. As for bio-phenols, this process influenced antioxidant activity. In fact, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity is improved by 59 and 51%, respectively, for ST3 and FO oils flavored with 5% rosemary. As anticipated, the volatile profile changed significantly due to the rosemary addition, inducing the presence of terpene compounds, such as α-pinene, α-cymene, camphene, β-pinene, and α-terpineol. These findings prove that aromatization process improves the quality and the antioxidant profile of olive oils obtained from mature and fallen olives, and could help in solving the economic problems of oil mills. Other plants such as garlic, lemon, thyme, and others can be studied to find out if better results can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Olive tree pruning (OTP) is one of the most abundant sources of biomass waste in the Mediterranean basin. This is especially relevant in southern Spain where olive oil production represents a large part of the economy. Olive tree prunings are mostly either burned or are spread in olive orchards as an organic amendment, or used for heat generation on a domestic scale. However, the lignocellulosic composition of OTP makes it a potential source of biopolymers, thus providing an excellent economic alternative for the olive oil sector. In this work, pretreated OTP fibers were subjected to an optimized alkaline treatment followed by a single‐step bleaching reaction with H2O2. Afterwards, the cellulose pulp was transformed chemically to obtain cellulose acetate. Noncellulosic components were removed effectively from OTP, thus obtaining a pulp highly purified in cellulose with 71% crystallinity and 355 °C maximum degradation temperature. Nevertheless, a very large amount of cellulose (ca. 50%) was eliminated throughout the process, especially during acid pretreatment, which was responsible for 38% solubilization. A similar level of acetylation and degree of substitution was obtained by using acetylation times in the range of 1 to 6 h. No large differences were observed in the infrared spectra and X‐ray diffractograms of the synthesized acetates. However, their thermal stability varied significantly with reaction time, evolving from a multistep degradation pattern to a single and sharp peak between 300 and 400 °C with increasing time. Thermogravimetric curves revealed that at least 5 h (preferably 6 h) were needed to obtain cellulose acetate from OTP with adequate thermal stability for further processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One strategy to improve olive (Olea europaea) tree drought tolerance is through the symbiosis of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), which helps alleviate water deficit through a combination of morphophysiological effects. Cuttings of olive varieties Arbequina (A) and Barnea (B) were grown with (+AMF) or without (−AMF) inoculum in the olive grove rhizosphere soil. One year after establishment, pots were exposed to four different water regimes: (1) control (100% of crop evapotranspiration); (2) short-period drought (20 days); (3) long-period drought (25 days); and (4) rewatering (R). To evaluate the influence of AMF on tolerance to water stress, stem water potential, stomatal conductance and the biomarkers for water deficit malondialdehyde, proline, soluble sugars, phenols, and flavonoids were evaluated at the end of the irrigation regimes. Stem water potential showed higher values in A(+) and B(+) in all water conditions, and the opposite was true for stomatal conductance. For proline and soluble sugars, the stem water potential trend is repeated with some exceptions. AMF inoculum spore communities from A(+ and −) and B(+ and −) were characterised at the morphospecies level in terms of richness and abundance. Certain morphospecies were identified as potential drought indicators. These results highlight that the benefits of symbiotic relationships between olive and native AMF can help to mitigate the effects of abiotic stress in soils affected by drought. We evaluated different water regimes on young cuttings of olive (Olea europaea) cvs Arbequina and Barnea inoculated with or without arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in a central-western olive grove in Argentina. We measured AMF morphospecies richness and abundance in the soil, plant vegetative growth, plant adaptation to drought stress, and crop water status. We found that certain morphological, physiological and biochemicalindicators may be useful to identify new strategies to mitigate water stress and improve water use efficiency during transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractComparing the absorption and translocation efficiency of the nutrients in olive cultivars can lead to the selection of cultivars with higher efficiency. This research was conducted with the aim of comparing the uptake and translocation capacity in 20 olive cultivars (12 domestic and 8 foreign) in a commercial orchard on calcareous soil in a randomized complete block design. Except for copper (Cu), leaf concentration of other elements was within the optimal range. In ʻAmphesis,ʼ high translocation (5.28%) and in ʻAmigdalolia,’ high uptake capacity (12.6) caused an increase in leaf phosphorus (P). Leaf K in all cultivars was higher than the deficiency limit (0.77%). In none of the cultivars, leaf sodium (Na) concentration was higher than the toxicity limit (0.2%), it accumulated in the root of ʻZard-Aliabadʼ and ʻShengeh,ʼ and reduced in their leaf. Leaf iron (Fe) concentration of all cultivars was in the sufficient range (>63 mg kg−1) and the highest was in ʻGorgan-Aʼ and ʻZardʼ and the lowest in ʻKazeroon,ʼ ʻArbequinaʼ and ʻMission.ʼ Although the leaf Cu in ʻAmphesisʼ (4.32 mg kg−1) and ʻArbequinaʼ (4.03 mg kg−1) was above the sufficient limit, in the rest of the cultivars it was below this critical limit. The highest leaf manganese (Mn) concentration (61.35 mg kg−1) and the highest Mn translocation percentage (84.59) were in ʻFeshomi.ʼ Among these cultivars, ʻAmphesisʼ was higher than others in terms of P, potassium (K), Cu and zinc (Zn) leaf concentrations and ʻAmigdalolia in terms of P, K and Zn, and in most cases the reason for this is the higher translocation efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Virgin olive oil (VOO) quality has been essentially correlated to its minor component contents, mainly phenolic compounds. Nevertheless, the content and composition of these compounds could be affected by several factors, among them the composition and biochemical properties of olive fruits, principally olive endogenous enzyme activities. Otherwise, the activities of these enzymes could be influenced by numerous factors, such as olive cultivars, ripening degree, olive storage conditions, and VOO extraction process. Thus, the objective of this review article is the focus on the key variation of olive endogenous enzyme activities according to these factors and their eventual contribution to the VOO phenolic profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Microfluidization has been gaining popularity as a size reduction process in recent years. In this study, microfluidization technique was used for olives to change the cell wall structure and decrease the size of oil droplets. Olive powders were produced from green, black and raw olives using freeze drying following microfluidization at 1200 bar. Antioxidant activity was not affected significantly for all powders while total phenolic content decreased for green and raw olive powders with microfluidization. Among all olive powders, the one raw olive gave the highest antioxidant activity and phenolic content. In microscopic analysis, Scanning Electron Microscope images revealed that microfluidization results in finer particles which are self‐encapsulated by trapping the oil droplets. Stability analysis through Turbi Scan and rheological measurements of the powder suspensions showed that microfluidization process enables more stable suspensions having higher water holding capacity. Herschel–Bulkley model was found for the flow behaviours of the olive powder suspensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Although the health effects of olive phenolics, hydroxytyrosol (HX), are well known, their utilisation is not at the forefront of the phenolics market. Besides, 99% of olive phenolics are lost during olive oil production (2.2 million tons year−1). This study aims to develop a functional hydrogel for functional foods using commercial olive powder derived from olive mill wastewater and methylcellulose (MC). The final hydrogel recipe, a multi‐hydrocolloid recipe (MC and gelatine with low gelling temperature) based on minimum HX loss and acceptable sensory properties, was created by examining interactions of HX with salt, sugar, and citric acid in MC by a modified UPLC‐UV method and expert sensory panellists. Finally, two dairy bases were created for the hydrogel with the best aroma match, and consumer‐accepted dessert (72%) and appetiser (58%) providing the health claims of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) (2 mg day−1 of HX) were produced. Moreover, a sample methodology has been developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Olive and sunflower seeds are by‐products generated in large amounts by the plant oil industry. The technological and biological properties of plant‐based substrates, especially protein hydrolysates, have increased their use as functional ingredients for food matrices. The present study evaluates the physical and oxidative stabilities of 50 g kg−1 fish oil‐in‐water emulsions where protein hydrolysates from olive and sunflower seeds were incorporated at 20 g kg−1 protein as natural emulsifiers. The goal was to investigate the effect of protein source (i.e. olive and sunflower seeds), enzyme (i.e. subtilisin and trypsin) and degree of hydrolysis (5%, 8% and 11%) on the ability of the hydrolysate to stabilize the emulsion and retard lipid oxidation over a 7‐day storage period. RESULTS: The plant protein hydrolysates displayed different emulsifying and antioxidant capacities when incorporated into the fish oil‐in‐water emulsions. The hydrolysates with degrees of hydrolysis (DH) of 5%, especially those from sunflower seed meal, provided higher physical stability, regardless of the enzymatic treatment. For example, the average D [2, 3] values for the emulsions containing sunflower subtilisin hydrolysates at DH 5% only slightly increased from 1.21 ± 0.02 μm (day 0) to 2.01 ± 0.04 μm (day 7). Moreover, the emulsions stabilized with sunflower or olive seed hydrolysates at DH 5% were stable against lipid oxidation throughout the storage experiment, with no significant variation in the oxidation indices between days 0 and 4. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study support the use of sunflower seed hydrolysates at DH 5% as natural emulsifiers for fish oil‐in‐water emulsions, providing both physical and chemical stability against lipid oxidation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

for the manuscript for the manuscript JCIS-24–2223 "Biochar from olive tree twigs and spent malt rootlets as electrodes in Zn-air batteries", by Kottis et al. [Display omitted] Biochars, i.e. porous carbons obtained by pyrolysis of biomass, can act as electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution and oxygen reduction reaction. In the present work, two biochars have been prepared by using materials of completely different biomass origin: olive-tree twigs and spent malt rootlets (brewery wastes). Both biomass species were subjected to pyrolysis under limited oxygen supply and then they were activated by mixing with KOH and pyrolysis again. The obtained biochars were characterized by several techniques in order to determine their structural characteristics and the composition of their active components. Despite their different origin, the two biochars demonstrated similar structural and compositional characteristics thus highlighting the importance of the pyrolysis and activation procedure. Both biochars were used as electrocatalysts in the operation of rechargeable Zn-air batteries, where they also demonstrated similar electrocatalytic capacities with only a small advantage gained by olive-tree-twigs biochar. Compared to bare nanoparticulate carbon (carbon black), both biochars demonstrated a marked advantage towards oxygen evolution reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We explored the activation of defense genes and the changes in volatile profiles in olive (Olea europaea var. Picual) plants subjected to mechanical wounding and prior soil inoculation with the fungus Trichoderma afroharzianum T22. Our findings indicate a sustained effect of the inoculant in olive plants, which shifted the constitutive volatile emission more significantly towards an aldehyde-dominated blend than the mechanical damage alone. Furthermore, we found that wounding alone did not alter the expression of hydroperoxide lyase genes associated with aldehyde biosynthesis. However, this expression was significantly enhanced when combined with prior T22 inoculation. Mechanical wounding amplified the plant's immediate defensive response by enhancing the upregulation of the direct defense enzyme acetone cyanohydrin lyase. Trichoderma afroharzianum T22 also modulated direct defense, although to a lesser extent, and its effect persisted 9 months after inoculation. Metagenomic analyses revealed that aerial mechanical damage did influence specific root bacterial functions. Specifically, an upregulation of predicted bacterial functions related to various metabolic processes, including responses to biotic and abiotic stresses, was observed. On the contrary, T22's impact on bacterial functional traits was minor and/or transient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Olea europaea L. leaves have long been used in treating various illnesses. Its pharmacological activity based on the phytoactive constituents; therefore, optimizing the extraction process should intensify the benefits. Aim: The study aimed to optimize the extraction process for O. europaea L. leaves, evaluate their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and explore their influence on the biochemical parameters of diabetic animals. Materials and Methods: The differential pharmacology of the extracts and combinatorial therapy with the antidiabetic agent; empagliflozin, were explored. The aims were accomplished after several in vitro and animal studies: quantification of flavonoid and phenol content, measurement of the antioxidant activity, identification of the active constituents, and assessment of hepatic and renal functions, lipid profile, and glycemic status. In addition, molecular biology tools were used to measure the expression of the inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL1beta. Results: Findings reveal that the hydroalcoholic binary system reinforced by the sonication yields the highest polyphenol (44.40±1.414 mg/g dry extract equivalent to gallic acid) and total flavonoids (31.0700±1.202 mg/g dry extract equivalent to quercetin). Extract by the same system showed high substantial antioxidant activity. HPLC-MS/MS reveals oleuropein and its aglycon, o- and p-coumaric acid, hydroxytyrosol acetate, and betaine compounds. A significant reduction in the average weight was recorded in diabetic mice (29.79±2.88 g) compared to the control (32.61±2.57 g). A significant reduction in producing the inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL1 beta was measured. Conclusion: Olive leaves are a potential addition to conventional medicines to enhance the health profile of diabetic mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]