Abstract text: Plant cell wall–derived molecules play a crucial role in the activation of plant immunity by acting as damage-associated molecular patterns. Among them, oligosaccharides can function as immune elicitors capable of priming plant defence responses. In this presentation, the valorisation of olive mill waste as a sustainable source of cell wall–derived bioactive molecules will be discussed. Oligosaccharide fractions derived from olive biomass can activate key hallmarks of plant innate immunity, including MAPK signalling, reactive oxygen species production and the expression of defence-related genes, ultimately enhancing resistance to fungal and bacterial pathogens. These findings highlight the potential of converting agro-industrial residues into natural plant immune elicitors capable of improving crop resilience while reducing the use of synthetic pesticides.  This work is part of the Horizon Europe project OLinWASTE, which aims to develop a circular biorefinery platform for the sustainable valorisation of olive mill residues into bio-based products for agriculture and the bioeconomy.

Project: https://www.olinwaste.eu/

Greco M. et al. Plant Stress, 2024, 14, 100655; Greco M. et al. Plant Physiology and Biochemistry 2024, 217, 109213; Greco M. et al. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2025, 59, 40, 21700–21714; Greco M et al. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2026).