**3.1. The role of phenolic compounds**

Differences in the response of olive cultivars to olive fly infestations have been observed (Gümusay et al., 1990; Iannotta et al., 1999, 2006a, 2007a, 2007b; Pereira et al., 2004; Basile et al., 2006; Rizzo and Caleca, 2006; Daane and Johnson, 2010). Two phenolic compounds, oleuropein and cyanidine, were assessed to determine their role in the reduced susceptibility of certain olive cultivars to olive fly (Iannotta et al., 2006a, 2007a, 2007b). In addition, a positive correlation has been observed between the drupe oleuropein content and a low susceptibility of olive cultivars to olive fly damage such that when the drupe oleuropein content is high, the olive fruit is less susceptible to attack (Iannotta et al., 2006a, 2007a, 2007b).
