Polyphenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and l-phenylalanine ammonia-lyase activity during ripening of olive cv. “Cobrançosa” under different irrigation regimes

► Olive tree irrigation reduces biosynthesis of phenolic compounds in olive fruits. ► Rainfed grown olive fruits contain higher total polyphenol and PAL activity. ► PAL activity and polyphenolic content decrease with maturation and irrigation. ► PAL activity correlates with polyphenolic content of olive fruits.