Abstract
Olive oil production generates high amounts of liquid and solid wastes. For a long time, such complex matrices were considered only as an environmental issue, due to their polluting properties. On the other hand, olive mill wastes (OMWs) exert a positive effect on plant growth when applied to soil due to the high content of organic matter and mineral nutrients. Moreover, OMWs also exhibit antimicrobial activity and protective properties against plant pathogens possibly due to the presence of bioactive molecules including phenols and polysaccharides. This review covers the recent advances made in the identification, isolation, and characterization of OMW-derived bioactive molecules able to influence important plant processes such as plant growth and defend against pathogens. Such studies are relevant from different points of view. First, basic research in plant biology may benefit from the isolation and characterization of new biomolecules to be potentially applied in crop growth and protection against diseases. Moreover, the valorization of waste materials is necessary for the development of a circular economy, which is foreseen to drive the future development of a more sustainable agriculture.
Highlights
Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) cultivation for olive oil production is one of the most ancient agricultural practices known by mankind
A summary of the most recent studies concerning the bioactive molecules of olive mill wastes (OMWs) is reported in Table 1, and some of the most important molecules and their properties are briefly introduced in the following paragraphs
The results indicate that the UF in acidic condition is a suitable pre-treatment for OMWW to improve phenolic compounds recovery and environmental impact reduction
Summary
Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) cultivation for olive oil production is one of the most ancient agricultural practices known by mankind. Olive oil is an important component of the Mediterranean diet known for its high nutritional properties and beneficial health effects. The increasing consumption of vegetables and the ongoing climate changes, with negative effects on crop production and plant diseases diffusion, requires the large utilization of stimulants, fertilizers, and pesticides to improve plant growth, crop yield, and phytopathogens control [8]. Bioactive molecules with growth promotion and antimicrobial effects, identified and characterized in OMW by-products, have stimulated many researchers to employ these compounds as biostimulants, biopesticides, and plant protectants for crop improvement. More extensive field research is required to evaluate their effects to solve serious plant diseases affecting commercially important crops with a sustainable, large-scale, agro-economical perspective. The acquired knowledge could lead to the discovery of new plant growth and disease resistance regulators
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