Combined effect of jasmonic and salicylic acids on resistance of different olive cultivars to the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Plant Protection, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran

2 Plant Protection Research Department, Guilan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Rasht, Iran

Abstract

In this study, the impact of the simultaneous foliar application of salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) was assessed on phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, carotenoids, and infestation rates at various developmental stages of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae). This evaluation were conducted across three olive cultivars, including ‘Amigdalipholia’, ‘Fishomi’, and ‘Kalamata’, at the olive research station orchard loctated in Rudbar, Guilan Province, over two experimental years (2021–2022). The experiment was carried out using a factorial design that incorporated cultivar, treatment, and year. The treatments included jasmonic acid at concentrations of 1 and 2 mg L⁻¹, paired with salicylic acid at 1 and 2 mM, in addition to an untreated control. Fruit samples were collected at various growth stages, and infestation levels were documented at the egg, larval instars, and pupal stages. The application of the higher doses of both acids resulted in the most significant increase in total phenolic content, chlorophyll, and carotenoids in healthy fruits. For the infested fruits, this treatment also caused a notable decrease in infestation during the immature stages of the pest. Among the cultivars examined, ‘Amigdalipholia’ exhibited the most pronounced response to the treatments applied. A negative correlation was noted between the rise in phenolic and antioxidant compounds and the infestation by the olive fruit fly, indicating that the enhancement of these biochemical traits may aid in fruit resistance. The results of this study suggest that the combined use of SA and JA is an effective environmentally friendly strategy for improving host resistance and managing olive fruit fly populations in olive orchards.

Keywords

References

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Plant Pest Research
Volume 15, Issue 4
March 2026
Pages 25-39

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History

  • Receive Date: 10 December 2025
  • Revise Date: 12 February 2026
  • Accept Date: 16 February 2026

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