Abstract
The effect of Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) on the postharvest quality was studied in avocado (Persea americana Miller) Hass fruits from five classes: healthy fruits from healthy trees (C1), asymptomatic fruits from asymptomatic but infected trees (C2), asymptomatic fruits from symptomatic trees (C3), symptomatic fruits severity rating of 1 (C4) and symptomatic fruits severity rating of 2 (C5) harvested in 2011 and 2012. The postharvest parameters evaluated were: firmness, color, weight loss, dry matter, mineral and oil content. C4 and C5 were significantly different (Tukey, p = 0.05) in delayed ripening, less dark coloration and less weight loss compared to C1, C2 and C3. Firmness in C4 and C5 was harder (2-5.5 Newtons) on the eighth day, while C1, C2 and C3 was softer (< 2 Newtons) and reached it on the sixth day. Coloration in C1, C2 and C3 was black on the eighth day, whereas in C4 and C5 remained 75% obscure. Weight loss in C4 and C5 was 1.4 g/day whereas in C1, C2 and C3 was 2 g/day. Dry matter, mineral and oil content were similar in the five classes. ASBVd affected the postharvest quality of symptomatic fruits. Asymptomatic fruits satisfied the international quality standards.
Highlights
IntroductionAvocado is a tropical fruit native from Mexico and Central America, as well as having considered one of the most economically important fruits in Mexico with positive effects on human health (high content of High Density Lipoprotein, folic acid, potassium, Vit A, B, C, D, E, K) (Téliz & Mora, 2007)
Avocado is a tropical fruit native from Mexico and Central America, as well as having considered one of the most economically important fruits in Mexico with positive effects on human health (Téliz & Mora, 2007)
Discoloration was slower than asymptomatic and healthy fruits even when ripening indicators, such as dry matter and oil content, were similar. These early changes in avocado fruit color may be due to chlorophyll degradation (Cox et al, 2004), from the effect of the viroid replication in chloroplasts and on respiration process (Vallejo et al, 2011)
Summary
Avocado is a tropical fruit native from Mexico and Central America, as well as having considered one of the most economically important fruits in Mexico with positive effects on human health (high content of High Density Lipoprotein, folic acid, potassium, Vit A, B, C, D, E, K) (Téliz & Mora, 2007). The high nutritional content and its dietetic properties make avocado one of the most attractive fruits to worldwide consumers (Ochoa, 2009). The international avocado trade requires high quality fruits to achieve acceptable prices in the market; the quality characteristics must be preserved until the final consumer (Ochoa, 2009). The postharvest fruit quality can be affected by biotic and abiotic factors (Kader, 2002). Fruits with these symptoms are rejected for marketing. There is no precise data on ASBVd effect on the postharvest quality of avocado fruits. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ASBVd on the postharvest quality of Hass avocado fruits
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