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The content of total phenolic compounds and phenylalanine ammonium lyase activity were quantified in rice varieties with different behaviour to Steneotarsonemus spinki. For this, vains were macerated with liquid nitrogen. One part of the macerate was homogenized with metanol to extract the phenolic compounds and the other one was extracted with sodium acetate 0.2 M pH 5.2 to determine the enzimatic activity. Higher values of phenolic compounds and specific activities were obtained in Reforma and LC 88-66 varieties, the best tolerant plants to the mite. The lowest phenolic concentrations and levels of activity were detected in Perla de Cuba, J 104 and IACuba 25, the most susceptible varieties. The relationship of these compounds with the defense mechanisms of the plants is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]