Effect of plant extracts and chemical fertilization on enhancing the resistance of olive seedlings to fungal diseases. A comprehensive review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56286/NTU-JAVS.2026.6.3.317-325Keywords:
Olive seedlings, Chemical fertilization, Fungal diseases, Disease resistance, Sustainable agriculture, Induced systemic resistance (ISR), Phenolic compounds.Abstract
Olive nurseries face ongoing losses due to soil- and root-borne fungi, most notably Verticillium dahliae, Fusarium spp., Phytophthora spp., and Pythium spp., which impair establishment and long-term productivity of orchards. This review compiles current evidence on two integrated strategies to enhance seedling resistance: biologically active plant extracts and balanced chemical fertilization. Plants rich in phenols and terpenoids (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic, cinnamon, neem, and tea tree) directly suppress pathogen growth and act as stimulants of host defenses, increasing PAL, PPO, and peroxidase activities; promote phytoalexins and lignin deposition; and stimulate systemic acquired resistance (SAR) or induced systemic resistance (ISR) pathways. Foliar or drench applications, as well as incorporation into seedling substrate, consistently reduce the severity of wilt and vascular wilt in nursery trials when used at non-toxic doses to plants.
Nutrient management modulates the host–pathogen balance: moderate nitrogen, ample potassium and calcium, and adequate phosphorus improve cell wall integrity, osmotic balance, and signaling, while micronutrients such as Zn, Mn, Cu, and B support antioxidant capacity and pathogenesis-related enzymes. Programs integrating slow-release or split N with K- and Ca-forward regimes frequently lower disease incidence and interact positively with botanicals by enhancing metabolite biosynthesis and cuticular robustness. Synergistic effects are strongest when extracts are applied preventively and fertilization corrects documented deficiencies rather than maximizing growth alone
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