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Mascuñano B, Coto-Elena J, Guerrero-Sánchez VM, Paniagua C, Blanco-Portales R, Caballero JL, Trapero-Casas JL, Jiménez-Díaz RM, Pliego-Alfaro F, Mercado JA, Muñoz-Blanco J, Molina-Hidalgo FJ. Transcriptome analysis of wild olive (Olea Europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) clone AC18 provides insight into the role of lignin as a constitutive defense mechanism underlying resistance to Verticillium wilt. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2025; 25:292. [PMID: 40045216 PMCID: PMC11884133 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-025-06301-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2025] [Indexed: 03/09/2025]
Abstract
Host resistance is the most effective and practical control method for the management of Verticillium wilt in olive caused by Verticillium dahliae, which remains as one of the major current threats to this crop. Regrettably, most olive cultivars of agronomic and commercial interest are susceptible to V. dahliae. We previously demonstrated that wild olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) clone AC18 harbours resistance to the highly virulent defoliating (D) V. dahliae pathotype, which may be valuable as rootstock and for breeding new, resistant olive cultivars. Mechanisms underlying disease resistance may be of constitutive or induced nature. In this work we aim to unravel constitutive defences that may be involved in AC18 resistance, by comparing the transcriptome from uninfected stems, of AC18 with that of the highly susceptible wild olive clone AC15, GO-term enrichment analysis revealed terms related to systemic acquired resistance, plant cell wall biogenesis and assembly, and phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism. qRT-PCR analysis of phenylpropanoid and lignin metabolism-related genes showed differences in their expression between the two wild olive clones. Phenolic content of stem cell walls was higher in the resistant AC18. The total lignin content was similar in resistant and susceptible clones, but they differed in monolignol composition. Results from this work identifies putative key genes in wild olive that could aid in breeding olive cultivars resistant, to D. V. dahliae. The research highlights the constitutive defence mechanisms that are effective in protecting against pathogens and our findings may contribute to the deciphering the molecular basis of VW resistance in olive and the conservation and utilization of wild olive genetic resources to tackle future agricultural challenges towards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Mascuñano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain
| | - Jerónimo Coto-Elena
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Víctor M Guerrero-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain
- Vascular Pathophysiology Area, Cardiovascular Proteomics Laboratory, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (CNIC), Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Candelas Paniagua
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Rosario Blanco-Portales
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain
| | - José L Caballero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain
| | - José L Trapero-Casas
- Institute for Sustainable Agriculture, Spanish National Research Council (Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael M Jiménez-Díaz
- Agronomy Department, University of Córdoba, Edificio C4 Celestino Mutis. Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain
| | - Fernando Pliego-Alfaro
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - José A Mercado
- Departamento de Botánica y Fisiología Vegetal, Instituto de Hortofruticultura Subtropical y Mediterránea 'La Mayora' (IHSM-UMA-CSIC), Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Juan Muñoz-Blanco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain.
| | - Francisco J Molina-Hidalgo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Cordoba, Edificio Severo Ochoa, Campus de Rabanales, Córdoba, E-14014, Spain.
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Saberi Riseh R, Fathi F, Lagzian A, Vatankhah M, Kennedy JF. Modifying lignin: A promising strategy for plant disease control. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132696. [PMID: 38823737 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Lignin is a complex polymer found in the cell walls of plants, providing structural support and protection against pathogens. By modifying lignin composition and structure, scientists aim to optimize plant defense responses and increase resistance to pathogens. This can be achieved through various genetic engineering techniques which involve manipulating the genes responsible for lignin synthesis. By either up regulating or down regulating specific genes, researchers can alter the lignin content, composition, or distribution in plant tissues. Reducing lignin content in specific tissues like leaves can improve the effectiveness of defense mechanisms by allowing for better penetration of antimicrobial compounds. Overall, Lignin modification through techniques has shown promising results in enhancing various plants resistance against pathogens. Furthermore, lignin modification can have additional benefits beyond pathogen resistance. It can improve biomass processing for biofuel production by reducing lignin recalcitrance, making the extraction of sugars from cellulose more efficient. The complexity of lignin biosynthesis and its interactions with other plant components make it a challenging target for modification. Additionally, the potential environmental impact and regulatory considerations associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs) require careful evaluation. Ongoing research aims to further optimize this approach and develop sustainable solutions for crop protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roohallah Saberi Riseh
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran.
| | - Fariba Fathi
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Arezoo Lagzian
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Vatankhah
- Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agriculture, Vali-e-Asr University of Rafsanjan, 7718897111 Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - John F Kennedy
- Chembiotech Laboratories Ltd, WR15 8FF Tenbury Wells, United Kingdom.
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Cardoni M, Mercado-Blanco J. Confronting stresses affecting olive cultivation from the holobiont perspective. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1261754. [PMID: 38023867 PMCID: PMC10661416 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1261754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The holobiont concept has revolutionized our understanding of plant-associated microbiomes and their significance for the development, fitness, growth and resilience of their host plants. The olive tree holds an iconic status within the Mediterranean Basin. Innovative changes introduced in olive cropping systems, driven by the increasing demand of its derived products, are not only modifying the traditional landscape of this relevant commodity but may also imply that either traditional or emerging stresses can affect it in ways yet to be thoroughly investigated. Incomplete information is currently available about the impact of abiotic and biotic pressures on the olive holobiont, what includes the specific features of its associated microbiome in relation to the host's structural, chemical, genetic and physiological traits. This comprehensive review consolidates the existing knowledge about stress factors affecting olive cultivation and compiles the information available of the microbiota associated with different olive tissues and organs. We aim to offer, based on the existing evidence, an insightful perspective of diverse stressing factors that may disturb the structure, composition and network interactions of the olive-associated microbial communities, underscoring the importance to adopt a more holistic methodology. The identification of knowledge gaps emphasizes the need for multilevel research approaches and to consider the holobiont conceptual framework in future investigations. By doing so, more powerful tools to promote olive's health, productivity and resilience can be envisaged. These tools may assist in the designing of more sustainable agronomic practices and novel breeding strategies to effectively face evolving environmental challenges and the growing demand of high quality food products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Cardoni
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y la Planta, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
| | - Jesús Mercado-Blanco
- Departamento de Microbiología del Suelo y la Planta, Estación Experimental del Zaidín, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Granada, Spain
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Chen X, Zou K, Li X, Chen F, Cheng Y, Li S, Tian L, Shang S. Transcriptomic Analysis of the Response of Susceptible and Resistant Bitter Melon ( Momordica charantia L.) to Powdery Mildew Infection Revealing Complex Resistance via Multiple Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14262. [PMID: 37762563 PMCID: PMC10532008 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The challenge of mitigating the decline in both yield and fruit quality due to the intrusion of powdery mildew (PM) fungus looms as a pivotal concern in the domain of bitter melon cultivation. Yet, the intricate mechanisms that underlie resistance against this pathogen remain inscrutable for the vast majority of bitter melon variants. In this inquiry, we delve deeply into the intricate spectrum of physiological variations and transcriptomic fluctuations intrinsic to the PM-resistant strain identified as '04-17-4' (R), drawing a sharp contrast with the PM-susceptible counterpart, designated as '25-15' (S), throughout the encounter with the pathogenic agent Podosphaera xanthii. In the face of the challenge presented by P. xanthii, the robust cultivar displays an extraordinary capacity to prolong the initiation of the pathogen's primary growth stage. The comprehensive exploration culminates in the discernment of 6635 and 6954 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in R and S strains, respectively. Clarification through the lens of enrichment analyses reveals a prevalence of enriched DEGs in pathways interconnected with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, the interaction of plants with pathogens, and the signaling of plant hormones. Significantly, in the scope of the R variant, DEGs implicated in the pathways of plant-pathogen interaction phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, encompassing components such as calcium-binding proteins, calmodulin, and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, conspicuously exhibit an escalated tendency upon the encounter with P. xanthii infection. Simultaneously, the genes governing the synthesis and transduction of SA undergo a marked surge in activation, while their counterparts in the JA signaling pathway experience inhibition following infection. These observations underscore the pivotal role played by SA/JA signaling cascades in choreographing the mechanism of resistance against P. xanthii in the R variant. Moreover, the recognition of 40 P. xanthii-inducible genes, encompassing elements such as pathogenesis-related proteins, calmodulin, WRKY transcription factors, and Downy mildew resistant 6, assumes pronounced significance as they emerge as pivotal contenders in the domain of disease control. The zenith of this study harmonizes multiple analytical paradigms, thus capturing latent molecular participants and yielding seminal resources crucial for the advancement of PM-resistant bitter melon cultivars.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuanyu Chen
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Kaixi Zou
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Xuzhen Li
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Feifan Chen
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Yuyu Cheng
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Shanming Li
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Libo Tian
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- The Key Laboratory of Tropical Horticultural Crops Quality Regulation of Hainan Province, School of Tropical Agriculture and Forestry, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
| | - Sang Shang
- Sanya Institute of Breeding and Multiplication, Hainan University, Sanya 572025, China
- School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou 570228, China
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Valverde P, Barranco D, López-Escudero FJ, Díez CM, Trapero C. Efficiency of breeding olives for resistance to Verticillium wilt. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2023; 14:1149570. [PMID: 36909426 PMCID: PMC9994353 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2023.1149570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Olive trees are the most cultivated evergreen trees in the Mediterranean Basin, where they have deep historical and socioeconomic roots. The fungus Verticillium dahliae develops inside the vascular bundles of the host, and there are no effective applicable treatments, making it difficult to control the disease. In this sense, the use of integrated disease management, specifically the use of resistant cultivars, is the most effective means to alleviate the serious damage that these diseases are causing and reduce the expansion of this pathogen. In 2008, the University of Cordoba started a project under the UCO Olive Breeding Program whose main objective has been to develop new olive cultivars with high resistance to Verticillium wilt. Since 2008, more than 18,000 genotypes from 154 progenies have been evaluated. Only 19.9% have shown some resistance to the disease in controlled conditions and only 28 have been preselected due to their resistance in field condition and remarkable agronomic characteristics. The results of this study represent an important advancement in the generation of resistant olive genotypes that will become commercial cultivars currently demanded by the olive growing sector. Our breeding program has proven successful, allowing the selection of several new genotypes with high resistance to the disease and agronomical performance. It also highlights the need for long-term field evaluations for the evaluation of resistance and characterization of olive genotypes.
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Ninkuu V, Yan J, Fu Z, Yang T, Ziemah J, Ullrich MS, Kuhnert N, Zeng H. Lignin and Its Pathway-Associated Phytoalexins Modulate Plant Defense against Fungi. J Fungi (Basel) 2022; 9:52. [PMID: 36675873 PMCID: PMC9865837 DOI: 10.3390/jof9010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Fungi infections cause approximately 60-70% yield loss through diseases such as rice blast, powdery mildew, Fusarium rot, downy mildew, etc. Plants naturally respond to these infections by eliciting an array of protective metabolites to confer physical or chemical protection. Among plant metabolites, lignin, a phenolic compound, thickens the middle lamella and the secondary cell walls of plants to curtail fungi infection. The biosynthesis of monolignols (lignin monomers) is regulated by genes whose transcript abundance significantly improves plant defense against fungi. The catalytic activities of lignin biosynthetic enzymes also contribute to the accumulation of other defense compounds. Recent advances focus on modifying the lignin pathway to enhance plant growth and defense against pathogens. This review presents an overview of monolignol regulatory genes and their contributions to fungi immunity, as reported over the last five years. This review expands the frontiers in lignin pathway engineering to enhance plant defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Ninkuu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Jianpei Yan
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Zenchao Fu
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - Tengfeng Yang
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
| | - James Ziemah
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, College Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Matthias S. Ullrich
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, College Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Nikolai Kuhnert
- Department of Life Sciences and Chemistry, Jacobs University, College Ring 1, 28759 Bremen, Germany
| | - Hongmei Zeng
- State Key Laboratory for Biology of Plant Diseases and Insect Pests, Institute of Plant Protection, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), Beijing 100193, China
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Yadav V, Wang Z, Guo Y, Zhang X. Comparative transcriptome profiling reveals the role of phytohormones and phenylpropanoid pathway in early-stage resistance against powdery mildew in watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus L.). FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2022; 13:1016822. [PMID: 36340394 PMCID: PMC9632293 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2022.1016822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Yield and fruit quality loss by powdery mildew (PM) fungus is a major concern in cucurbits, but early-stage resistance mechanisms remain elusive in the majority of cucurbits. Here, we explored the comparative transcriptomic dynamics profiling of resistant line ZXG1755 (R) and susceptible line ZXG1996 (S) 48 h post-inoculation in watermelon seedlings to check precise expression changes induced by Podosphaera. xanthii race '2F'. Phenotypic responses were confirmed by microscopy and endogenous levels of defense and signaling related phytochromes were detected higher in resistant lines. In total, 7642 differently expressed genes (DEGs) were detected, and 57.27% of genes were upregulated in four combinations. DEGs were predominantly abundant in the KEGG pathway linked with phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, plant hormone and transduction, and phenylalanine metabolism, whereas GO terms of defense response, response to fungus, and chitin response were predominant in resistant lines, evidencing significant defense mechanisms and differences in the basal gene expression levels between these contrasting lines. The expression of selected DEGs from major pathways (hormonal, lignin, peroxidase, sugar) were validated via qRT-PCR. Detailed analysis of DEGs evidenced that along with other DEGs, genes including PR1 (Cla97C02G034020) and PRX (Cla97C11G207220/30, Cla97C02G045100 and Cla97C02G049950) should be studied for their potential role. In short, our study portrayed strong evidence indicating the important role of a complex network associated with lignin biosynthesis and phytohormone related downstream mechanisms that are responsible for incompatible interaction between PM and watermelon resistance line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Yadav
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
| | - Zhongyuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
| | - Yanliang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Stress Biology in Arid Areas, College of Horticulture, Northwest A & F University, Yangling, China
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetable Germplasm Innovation, Tianjin, China
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Physiological and Structural Responses of Olive Leaves Related to Tolerance/Susceptibility to Verticillium dahliae. PLANTS 2022; 11:plants11172302. [PMID: 36079682 PMCID: PMC9459789 DOI: 10.3390/plants11172302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Verticillium wilt of olive (VWO), caused by the soil borne fungus Verticillium dahliae, is one of the most relevant diseases affecting this crop worldwide. One of the best VWO management strategies is the use of tolerant cultivars. Scarce information is available about physiological and structural responses in the leaves of olive cultivars displaying different levels of tolerance to VWO. To identify links between this phenotype and variations in functional characteristics of the leaves, this study examined the structural and physiological traits and the correlations among them in different olive varieties. This evaluation was conducted in the presence/absence of V. dahliae. On the one hand, no leaf trait but the area was related to VWO tolerance in the absence of the pathogen. On the other hand, after inoculation, susceptible cultivars showed lower leaf area and higher leaf mass per area and dry matter content. Furthermore, at the physiological level, these plants showed severe symptoms resembling water stress. Analyzing the relationships among physiological and structural traits revealed differences between tolerant and susceptible cultivars both in the absence and in the presence of V. dahliae. These results showed that olive leaves of VWO-tolerant and VWO-susceptible cultivars adopt different strategies to cope with the pathogen.
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