Avocado Research Articles

An improved method to study Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands zoospores interactions with host

Phytophthora cinnamomi Rands is a highly prevalent phytopathogen worldwide, ranking among the top ten in terms of distribution. It inflicts crown rot, canker, and root rot on numerous plant species, significantly impacting the biodiversity of both flora and fauna within affected environments. With a host range spanning over 5,000 species, including important plants like Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Castanea sativa, and commercially significant crops such as avocado (Persea americana), maize (Zea mays), and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), Phytophthora cinnamomi poses a substantial threat to agriculture and ecosystems. The efficient dissemination of the oomycete relies on its short-lived asexually motile zoospores, which depend on water currents to infect host roots. However, managing these zoospores in the laboratory has long been challenging due to the complexity of the life cycle. Current protocols involve intricate procedures, including alternating cycles of growth, drought, and flooding. Unfortunately, these artificial conditions often result in a rapid decline in virulence, necessitating additional steps to maintain infectivity during cultivation. In our research, we sought to address this challenge by investigating zoospore survival under various conditions. Our goal was to develop a stable stock of zoospores that is both easily deployable and highly infective. Through direct freezing in liquid nitrogen, we have successfully preserved their virulence. This breakthrough eliminates the need for repeated culture transfers, simplifying the process of plant inoculation. Moreover, it enables more comprehensive studies of Phytophthora cinnamomi and its interactions with host plants.

Antibacterial activity of avocado extract (Persea americana Mill.) against aminoglycoside-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae strains

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important etiological agent of nosocomial infections. This study focuses on the antibacterial activity of Persea Americana extract against K. pneumoniae strains containing aminoglycoside genes. Broth microdilution technique was used to examine the antibacterial activity of P. americana extract on K. pneumoniae isolates. The phenolic components of its leaves were analysed by the HPLC-DAD system. The binding potential of the major phytochemical component of the extract, chlorogenic acid, to the KsgA was investigated by molecular docking. The stability of the resulting enzyme-ligand complexes was also assessed through molecular dynamics simulation. The result obtained showed that P. americana extract had antibacterial activity on aminoglycoside resistant strains. The binding potential of chlorogenic acid (main phenolic compound) to KsgA was found to be higher than the binding of gentamicin. Since chlorogenic acid had lower binding energy and formed higher number of H-bonding as well as other interactions in the docking analysis. The higher binding potential of the major component with the enzyme that was involved in resistance development against aminoglycoside indicated its possible role in overturning the condition. Moreover, the molecular dynamics simulation study revealed that chlorogenic acid formed a complex with relatively higher stability. The higher binding potential of the major component with higher stability implied that the computational results confirmed the experimental findings.

Analysis and authentication of avocado oil by low-field benchtop NMR spectroscopy and chemometrics.

Avocado oil is a nutritious, edible oil produced from avocado fruit. It has high commercial value and is increasing in popularity, thus powerful analytical methods are needed to ensure its quality and authenticity. Recent advancements in low-field (LF) NMR spectroscopy allow for collection of high-quality data despite the use of low magnetic fields produced by non-superconductive magnets. Combined with chemometrics, LF NMR opens new opportunities in food analysis using targeted and untargeted approaches. Here, it was used to determine poly-, mono-, and saturated fatty acids in avocado oil. Although direct signal integration of LF NMR spectra was able to determine certain classes of fatty acids, it had several challenges arising from signal overlapping. Thus, we used partial least square regression and developed models with good prediction performance for fatty acid composition, with residual prediction deviation ranging 3.46-5.53 and root mean squared error of prediction CV ranging 0.46-2.48. In addition, LF NMR, combined with unsupervised and supervised methods, enabled the differentiation of avocado oil from other oils, namely, olive oil, soybean oil, canola oil, high oleic (OL) safflower oil, and high OL sunflower oil. This study showed that LF NMR can be used as an efficient alternative for the compositional analysis and authentication of avocado oil. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Here, we describe the application of LF-NMR for fatty acid analysis and avocado oil authentication. LF-NMR can be an efficient tool for targeted and untargeted analysis, thus becoming an attractive option for companies, regulatory agencies, and quality control laboratories. This tool is especially important for organizations and entities seeking economic, user-friendly, and sustainable analysis solutions.

Ovicidal Effect of the Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaf on Oligonychus punicae (Trombidiformes: Tetranychidae) Eggs1

Abstract Mexico is the leader in avocado (Persea americana Miller [Lauraceae]) production, with the United States being the principal consumer of avocados produced there. The avocado crop is susceptible to attacks by insect and mite pests, including the avocado brown mite, Oligonychus punicae (Hirst) (Acari: Tetranychidae), which is a serious economic pest of the crop in Mexico. This study evaluated the effects of different concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 10, 15, and 20% [v/v]) of the ethanolic extract from Moringa oleifera Lamarck (Moringaceae) leaves against O. punicae eggs and its residual effect on the density of larvae and nymphs emerging from treated eggs. Egg mortality ranged from 0.0 at the 0.1% concentration to 70.48% at the 20% concentration, compared with the control group. Egg mortality increased as extract concentrations increased. The density of larvae and nymphs that emerged from the treated eggs was significantly lower than the density in the control, indicating that both the number of living larvae and nymphs responded to extract concentration. Our results support the suggestion that the ethanolic extract of M. oleifera leaf has ovicidal and residual activity against O. punicae and can be incorporated into an integrated mite management program to control avocado brown mite populations. Further studies are needed to assess the efficiency and efficacy of M. oleifera extract against arthropod pests and natural enemies under greenhouse and field conditions.

Selective Retention of Cross-Fertilised Fruitlets during Premature Fruit Drop of Hass Avocado

The productivity of many tree crops is limited by low yield, partly due to high rates of fruitlet abscission during early fruit development. Early studies suggested that cross-pollinated fruitlets may be selectively retained during fruit development, although paternity testing of fruitlets to test this hypothesis was technically challenging. We used MassARRAY genotyping to determine the effects of pollen parentage on fruitlet retention and fruit quality of Hass avocado. We identified the paternity of abscised and retained fruitlets at 6 and 10 weeks, and mature fruit at 36 weeks, after peak anthesis. We measured the embryo mass, pericarp mass, total mass and nutrient concentrations of fruitlets, and the seed mass, flesh mass, total mass, diameter, length, nutrient concentrations and fatty-acid composition of mature fruit. The percentages of progeny on the tree that were cross-fertilised increased from 4.6% at 6 weeks after peak anthesis to 10.7% at fruit maturity. Only 1.0% of freshly abscised fruitlets on the ground at 10 weeks after peak anthesis were cross-pollinated even though 6.5% of retained fruitlets on the tree were cross-pollinated. At this stage, cross-pollinated fruitlets had similar nutrient concentrations to self-pollinated fruitlets, but they had higher total contents of P, K, Al, Ca, Fe, Mn and Zn due to having greater fruitlet mass. At maturity, cross-pollinated fruit were 6% heavier and had 2% greater diameter than self-pollinated fruit, without significant differences in flesh nutrient concentrations or fatty acid composition. The results demonstrate that Hass avocado trees selectively retain cross-pollinated fruitlets, which are larger than self-pollinated fruitlets and ultimately produce larger mature fruit. Avocado growers can increase fruit size and yield by improving the opportunities for cross-pollination, possibly by closely interplanting type A and type B cultivars and introducing more beehives into orchards.

DEEP LEARNING FOR AUTOMATIC CLASSIFICATION OF AVOCADO FRUIT MATURITY

Avocado (Persea Americana), a fleshy fruit with a single seed, has increased in popularity globally, especially in tropical and Mediterranean climates, thanks to its commercial and nutritional value. Rich in bioactive compounds, avocados contribute to the prevention and treatment of various diseases, including cardiovascular problems and cancer. Avocado production in Indonesia, for example, is showing a significant increase, reflecting the growing demand. Avocado ripeness affects shelf life and quality, making the determination of ripeness level a critical aspect of postharvest management. Skin color and pulp firmness change during storage, affecting quality and nutritional value. Proper classification of ripeness is important to reduce post-harvest losses, improve quality and optimize export costs. Recent research shows the use of technologies such as machine learning and YOLO (You Only Look Once) version 9 in real-time detection of avocado ripeness, offering innovative solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and improve distribution efficiency. This approach not only benefits farmers and consumers but also ensures consumer satisfaction and reduces economic losses. This study highlights the importance of real-time detection in monitoring avocado ripeness, where the training process was conducted for 89,280 iterations resulting in a new model for avocado ripeness detection. The final model has a mean Average Precision (mAP) validation value of 84.3%, mAP 84.3% signifies the optimal level of accuracy in object recognition in avocado fruit maturity images using the YOLO model that has undergone an intensive training process.

In Silico Study of Avocado Leaves (Persea americana Mill.) as Inhibitor of Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis

In Silico Study of Avocado Leaves (Persea americana Mill.) as Inhibitor of Calcium Oxalate Urolithiasis

Effect of shade tree on nutrient concentration in coffee (Coffea arabica L.) leaves

Abstract Leaf tissue analysis is a measurement of the levels of elements contained in plant leaves. In this case, the leaves can describe the amount of absorption of a nutrient because most of the assimilation results are collected in them. The nutrients that can be absorbed by plant roots are the amount of nutrients available in the soil. The use of shade trees with different types of sunlight absorption intensity causes the conditions for leaf nutrient absorption in plants to also vary. This research was needed to determine the effect of shade type on the nutrient concentration of nitrogen, (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the leaves of Arabica coffee plants. This research was carried out at the Koperasi Ribang Gayo Musara, Pantan Musara Village, Pegasing Subdistrict, Central Aceh District, Aceh, and the Agricultural Instrument Standardization Agency (BSIP) Aceh. This research used a non-factorial Randomized Block Design with five treatments where each treatment 4 replications. Treatments consisted of types of shade plants on coffee plants, namely, control/no shade, small lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala ssp. leucocephala), big lamtoro shade (Leucaena leucocephala subsp. glabrata), banana shade (Musa paradisiaca L.), avocado shade (Persea americana Mill.). The results showed that shade tree type significantly affect potassium (K) nutrient levels in coffee plant leaves. Coffee plant shaded by big lamtoro had better N, P and K nutrient levels compared to small lamtoro, banana, avocado, and control.

Metabolite profiling and hormone analysis of the synchronized exocarp-mesocarp development during ripening of cv. ‘Fuerte’ and ‘Hass’ avocado fruits

Color development in avocado fruits is a complex mechanism influenced by several factors. To understand this process, a comparative analysis was conducted between fruits of 'Fuerte' and 'Hass' avocado cultivars using metabolomic approaches. Pigment content in the exocarp differs between cultivars, accumulating anthocyanins in 'Hass' avocado. Carbohydrate abundance differed at ready-to-eat stage showing that 'Hass' accumulated higher amounts of sucrose, mannoheptulose, and perseitol than ‘Fuerte’ in both tissues. Higher amounts of fatty acids were observed in both tissues of 'Fuerte'. Polar metabolites indicated differences in amino acid and carbohydrate metabolisms between cultivars. Hormone analysis suggested that abscisic acid is involved in pigment biosynthesis. These findings showed that hormone and primary metabolites cross-talk plays an important role in color development in the exocarp and in the softening in the mesocarp of ‘Hass', opening new perspectives about this metabolic interplay and its relation to the development of the exocarp-mesocarp synchronization during ripening.

Antibacterial Potential of Ethanolic Extract of Avocado Leaves (Persea americana mill.) against Clinical Isolate of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Proteus mirabilis

Multidrug resistance is a global health problem that is closely related to microbial resistance. Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis are opportunistic bacteria that cause urinary tract infections, especially in the use of catheters in hospitals in inpatient care. Handling it using commercial antibiotics can increase the effect of antibacterial resistance if the use is irrational and neglected. Avocado leaves have been reported to have antibacterial, antidiabetic and antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to observe into the antibacterial activity of avocado leaves ethanol extract against K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined using the Kirby-Bauer method, the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was determined using the streaking method of the inhibition zone formed, and the mechanism of bacterial membrane leakage cell was measured using UV-VIS spectrophotometry at wavelengths of 260 and 280 nm. The MIC value was found to be 3.125 mg/mL in both bacteria, with an inhibition zone of 6.43 ± 0.06 mm (K. pneumoniae) and 6.73 ± 0.15 mm (P. mirabilis). The MBC value at 200 mg/mL with a percent reduction of 98.35 % (K. pneumoniae) and at 100 mg/mL with a percent reduction of 98.06 % (P. mirabilis). The supernatant of a membrane leakage cell (DNA and protein) was absorbed at wavelengths of 260 and 280 nm. It can be concluded that the ethanolic extract of avocado leaves has antibacterial potential against clinical isolates of K. pneumoniae and P. mirabilis. HIGHLIGHTS Avocado leaves, which are typically discarded, can be repurposed as a potent antibacterial agent in traditional medicine Demonstrates a potent minimum inhibitory concentration with a minimum bactericidal concentration value that can effectively suppress bacterial growth Point number 2 is substantiated by the utilization of DNA and protein cell leakage tests, as evidenced by absorbance measurements at wavelengths of 260 and 280 nm Flavonoid secondary metabolite have been successfully identified as one of the active components using the TLC analysis method GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Improved beekeeping practices, honey bee flora potential and flowering calendar in South Ethiopia.

In Ethiopia, improved hive technology dissemination was started before five-decades. However, the adoption of improved beekeeping technology is still very low. This study was conducted with the main objectives to evaluating improved beekeeping adoption level and honey yields of different hives and identification of major honey bee plants and flora calendar in the Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia. Three districts were selected purposively based on beekeeping potential and the number of improved hives own by beekeepers. The data was collected from 180 respondents using cross-sectional survey. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentage and ANOVA. The result shown that the compositions of disseminated hives in the entire sampled respondents were 286, 476, 121 and 1494 Zander hive, Kenyan top bar hive (KTBH), Mud/Ethio-Ribrab hive (ERH) and Traditional hives respectively. Traditional beekeeping was the dominant system with 63% and intermediate followed by 25%, while modern beekeeping was only 12%. Based on overall mean honey yield, there was no significant difference (P = 0.244) between Zander and KTBH. However, the average honey yield of these improved hives were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Mud/ERH and Traditional hives. Gedeo zone had rich floral resource and diverse floral calendar. Hygenia abyssinica, Bidens ghedoensis, Erythrinia abyssinica, Eucalyptus species, Cordia africana, Coffee arabica, Vernonia species, Susbania susban and Persea americana were major honey bee flora in Gedeo zone. February-March was major honey harvesting season while May-July and October-December respectively were minor honey harvesting periods. Nevertheless, the majority of beekeepers have been practicing honey harvesting once a year from all hives due to lack of awareness and practical skills. Therefore, we recommend that the local government should focus on educating beekeepers to enable them utilizing exhaustively the opportunities of multi-floral season and improved hive technology to maximize honey yield in the area.

Discovery of a Biocontrol Strain Trichaptum laricinum: Its Metabolites and Antifungal Activity against Pathogenic Fungus Colletotrichum anthrisci.

Finding safe and environmentally friendly fungicides is one of the important strategies in modern pesticide research and development. In this work, the antipathogenic effects of the fungus Trichaptum laricinum against the anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum anthrisci were studied. The EtOAc extract of T. laricinum showed remarkable antifungal activity against C. anthrisci with an inhibition rate of 50% at 256 μg/mL. Bioguided isolation of the cultural broth of T. laricinum produced four new drimane sesquiterpenes, trichalarins A-D (1-4), and six other metabolites (5-10). Their structures were established by extensive spectroscopic methods, quantum chemical calculations, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. All compounds exhibited antifungal activity against C. anthrisci with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 8-64 μg/mL in vitro. Further in vivo assay suggested that compounds 2, 6, and 9 could significantly inhibit C. anthrisci growth in avocado fruit with inhibition rates close to 80% at the concentration of 256 μg/mL, while compounds 2 and 6 had an inhibition rate over 90% at the concentration of 512 μg/mL. The EtOAc extract of T. laricinum had no inhibitory effect on Pinus massoniana seed germination and growth at the concentration of 2 mg/mL, showing good environmental friendliness. Thus, the fungus T. laricinum could be considered as an ideal biocontrol strain, and its metabolites provided a diverse material basis for the antibiotic agents.

Study of the Physical, Chemical, and Biologically Active Properties of Avocado Pulp (Persea americana), and Its Use in the Preparation of Some Functional Dairy Products

This research conducted with the aim of manufacturing healthy products (yoghurt and local cream cheese) rich in bioactive compounds and healthy fatty acid using avocado fruit pulp. Avocado pulp used in the manufacture of yoghurt at two, four, and six percent, and the yoghurt stored at 4ﹾ C for seven days. Local cream cheese was handmade by replacing animal butter with 15% avocado pulp. The content of phenolic compounds in fresh avocado pulp determined using HPLC, where it was found to be rich in kaempferol 30.88 ppm, ferulic acid 30.25 ppm, apigenin 22.58 ppm, quercetin 18.98 ppm, and P-coumaric acid 12.66 ppm, as well as rich in some fatty acids: oleic 59.58%, palmitic 17.58%, and α-linolenic 18.05%. Compared to the control sample at the first day of storage, the avocado-fortified yoghurt led to an increase in antioxidant activity by 10.86%, 25.12%, and 34.63%, and in total phenolic content by 129.55%, 343.18%, and 404.55%. The yoghurt sample at four percent was the most accepted in texture, taste, flavor, and general acceptance, and the avocado added a buttery, astringent, and distinct taste to the avocado-fortified samples. Also, the manufactured of local cream cheese by avocado led to a decrease in moisture and fat, and an increase in acidity and total solids, and it was possible to obtain a low-fat functional food with high nutritional value. Results showed that supporting yoghurt with avocado had a positive effect on reducing the total number of microorganisms and was free of molds, yeasts, and coliform growths during storage.

CAN THE APPLICATION OF AGROFORESTRY AT MONOCULTURAL FOOD CROP AREAS SUPPORT MANUFACTURER CHEMICAL FERTILIZER REDUCTION PROGRAMS WITHOUT SACRIFICING FARMERS' INCOME?

In an agroforestry system, nutrients from the subsoil can be made available to food plants through the absorption process by trees with deep roots. However, shade from canopy tree plants can suppress photosynthesis and reduce food crop production and farmer income [INCM]. This antagonism needs to be evaluated when introducing agroforestry programs into monoculture food crop areas to reduce manufactured chemical fertilizers application. This research was carried out from June to August 2023 at Natar District, South Lampung Regency to determine the effect of tree strata (teak, acacia, and albizia), multi-proposed tree species or MPTS (Parkia speciosa, avocado, and jack fruit), shrubs (coffee and cacao), and ground cover (vegetables, peanut, and soybean) to [INCM]. Interviewing forty respondents who were still retaining one or more of these tree strata among food crops including upland rice, corn, and cassava. The OLS (ordinary least square) model was employed at 90% confidence level. To eliminate the model error, the variables ownership of productive assets (upland, cattle, sheep, and cock), fertilizer application (urea, ponska, KCl and liquid fertilizer), compost, and pesticide use were also incorporated in the model. The results suggest the significant effects: (1) that positive ones are acacia, teak, vegetables, peanuts, and, soybeans, respectively USD 86.4 (P=0.000); 88.3 (P=0.000); 109,5 (P=0.000); 114.6 (P =0.000); 145.1 (P=0.000); and (2) which negative were Albizia falcataria, Parkia speciosa, avocado, coffee, and cacao respectively of around USD 31,7 (P=0.002); 57.1 (P=0.000); 43.2 (P=0.003); 62,0 (P=0.000) and 96.37 (P=0.000).

Statistical physics analysis of the adsorption of reactive red 141 dye on residual avocado peel (Persea americana) chemically modified with H2SO4 and HNO3

The preparation and adsorption properties of avocado peels treated with H2SO4 and HNO3 for the removal of reactive red 141 dye are reported in this manuscript. Equilibrium adsorption of this organic dye on the two adsorbents was experimentally quantified at pH 6.5 and 298.15–328.15 K. An advanced physical model that assumed the formation of a finite number of layers of the adsorbed pollutant molecules on the adsorption sites was used to estimate the steric and energetic parameters of the dye adsorption mechanism. The modeling results showed dye molecular aggregation, in which each adsorption site of avocado peels treated with H2SO4 and HNO3 adsorbed several dye molecules simultaneously at different temperatures. The results also demonstrated that dye adsorption on avocado peels treated with these acids was exothermic. The estimated adsorption energies for the dye-treated biomass and dye-dye interactions indicated a physisorption associated with van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding. The outcomes of this study contribute with insights into the adsorption mechanisms of dye molecules using treated avocado peels with the aim of developing sustainable water treatment methods according with a circular economy approach.

Diuretic Activity of Water Fraction of Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Leaves Extract in Rat

Currently available diuretics are not completely free from side effects such as electrolyte imbalance and metabolic alterations. Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) contained many type of bioactive substances that related to diuretics. This study aimed to reveal and verify the effect of water fraction of avocado leaves extract against output of rat urine. Three different doses of leaf extract of avocado prepared i.e., 91.125mg/kg BW, 182.25 mg/kg BW and 364.5 mg/kg BW. The urinary parameters assessed were the urine volume hourly for 6 hours, urine color density and urine pH. The results showed water fraction of avocado at the dose of 182.25 and 364.5 mg/kg significantly increase urine volume in comparison to the negative control. Urine color density scores varied but did not have a dependent manner that follows the dose levels of diuretics given. However all treatments showed no statistical difference in the urine pH. Thus, it can be conclude that the water fraction of avocado leaves extract potentially for diuretic herb without make significant changes on pH.

Effectiveness of Sodium Alginate and Carnauba Wax Nanoemulsions with Lemongrass Essential Oil on the quality of ‘Hass’ Avocado Fruit from early, middle, and late harvest season during prolonged cold storage

Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) has gained popularity as a widely produced and consumed fruit worldwide, raising concerns about its storage and transportation. The avocado, being a climacteric fruit sensitive to chilling injury, faces challenges that affect its shelf life and commercial viability. This research delves into the effectiveness of edible sodium alginate 2 % (weight/weight, w/w) (SA) and carnauba wax 1 % (w/w) (CW) coatings, both independently and in combination with lemongrass essential oil, sodium alginate 2 % (w/w) + lemongrass essential oil 1.25 % (SALG) and carnauba wax 1 % + lemongrass essential oil 1.25 % (w/w) CWLG) as postharvest treatments. Uncoated avocados were used as control (CT). The nanocoating-treatments aim to preserve the quality of 'Hass' avocados harvested during the early, middle, and late season. After treating the fruits, some from each treatment group were kept at 21 ± 1 ºC for 7 days (shelf life). The rest were stored at 5 ºC and 90 % RH for 15, 30, and 45 days before being submitted also to shelf life. In each sampling date, quality parameters measured included: firmness, color (L*, hue), weight loss, gray pulp symptoms, ethylene production and pulp electrolyte leakage. Also, fatty acids (FA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), malondialdehyde (MDA), α-farnesene (Farn) and conjugated trienols (Ctrols) were quantified in avocado pulp. Fruit quality analysis showed that all coatings improve quality and reduction of gray pulp development, especially CW and the incorporation of lemongrass in both matrices. Therefore, these edible coatings can be an alternative to improve preservation of avocado fruit quality through cold storage and subsequent shelf-life, which potentially reduce fruit waste.

Potensi Buah Alpukat (Persea americana Mill.) sebagai Media Alternatif Pertumbuhan Jamur Fusarium sp.

Potensi Buah Alpukat (Persea americana Mill.) sebagai Media Alternatif Pertumbuhan Jamur Fusarium sp.

Identification of Phytophthora cinnamomi CRN effectors and their roles in manipulating cell death during Persea americana infection

The oomycete Phytophthora cinnamomi is a devastating plant pathogen with a notably broad host range. It is the causal agent of Phytophthora root rot (PRR), arguably the most economically important yield-limiting disease in Persea americana (avocado). Despite this, our understanding of the mechanisms P. cinnamomi employs to infect and successfully colonize avocado remains limited, particularly regarding the pathogen’s ability to maintain its biotrophic and necrotrophic lifestyles during infection. The pathogen utilises a large repertoire of effector proteins which function in facilitating and establishing disease in susceptible host plants. Crinkling and necrosis effectors (CRN/Crinklers) are suspected to manipulate cell death to aid in maintenance of the pathogens biotrophic and necrotrophic lifestyles during different stages of infection. The current study identified 25 P. cinnamomi CRN effectors from the GKB4 genome using an HMM profile and assigned putative function to them as either cell death inducers or suppressors. Function was assigned to 10 PcinCRNs by analysing their RNA-seq expression profiles, relatedness to other functionally characterised Phytophthora CRNs and tertiary protein predictions. The full-length coding sequences for these PcinCRNs were confirmed by Sanger sequencing, six of which were found to have two divergent alleles. The presence of alleles indicates that the proteins encoded may perform contradicting functions in cell death manipulation, or function in different host plant species. Overall, this study provides a foundation for future research on P. cinnamomi infection and cell death manipulation mechanisms.

Profitability of coffee-based agroforestry system to support farmers’ income in Toba Regency, North Sumatra Province, Indonesia

Indonesia is a country with the application of agroforestry systems on community land. People who live in Toba Regency, North Sumatra have long applied coffee-based agroforestry systems and have become a hereditary tradition. The purpose of this study is to determine the profitability of coffee-based agroforestry land and economic value for farmers so that it can be developed further. Coordinate points of land distribution, taken with GPS, conducted interviews, profitability analysis and income analysis to obtain farmer land data. Mapping the distribution of farmers’ coffee-based agroforestry land was mapped with ArcGIS 10.8. Four respondent farmers implemented coffee-based agroforestry (Coffea arabica) with a planting distance of 2 m x 2.5 m combined with Gmelina arborea (white teak), Eucalyptus sp. (eucalyptus), Cinnamomum verum (cinnamon), Pinus merkusii (pine), Psidium guajava (guava), Durio zibethinus (durian), Persea americana (avocado), and others. Based on the profitability analysis, all four farmers’ lands are feasible for further development. The economic value of land depends on the area of land managed by the farmer, where farmers with a land area of 2 Ha have the largest income during 10 years of land management, namely Mr. Bisken with an income of IDR 162,719,500. Utilization of Multi-Purpose Trees Species (MPTS) or plantation and industrial crops can increase the economic value and profitability of farmers’ land.