Persea Americana Mill Research Articles

Formulasi Sediaan Gel Ekstrak Daun Alpukat (Persea americana Mill.) Sebagai Terapi Pengobatan Luka Bakar Terhadap Kelinci New Zeland White

Researched on burn wounds healing activity of extract of avocado leaft (Persea americana Mill.) in gel preparation forms were tested on rabbits New Zeland White. This study aimed to determine variations effect of concentration in gel extract of avocado leaft for the treatment of burn wounds in rabbits which had been wounded using hot metal. In this study, avocado leaft extract was obtained through maceration method and formulated into gel preparations with concentration of 1%, 2% and 5%. Gel base was used as a negativ control, namely carbomer 940 and Bioplacenton® gel was used as a positive control, applied to burns on the back of New Zeland White rabbits with a diameter of 1,5 cm. The avocado leaft extract gel activity test was carried out on 3 rabbit, each formulation was replicated 3 times and wound diameter measurements were taken on each day. Data on the percentage of burn wound healing was statistically analyzed using One Way ANOVA method. The result of the data analysis at a concentration of 5% obtained a sig value <0,05. Based on One Way ANOVA analysis of the five treatments, the most effective was avocado leaft extract gel with a concentration of 5%.

Standardization of Softwood Grafting in Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) var. TKD1

In recent years, Hass avocados (Persea americana Mill.) have become more widely cultivated in Colombia. One of the difficulties facing the nation is boosting orchard output by ensuring graft plants have the best agronomic, genetic, and phytosanitary criteria. In this study, the growth and development of avocado rootstocks derived from seeds of various weight ranges will be monitored for 90 days. Four weights of avocado seeds (S1, S2, S3, S4) (30–40 g, 40–50 g, 50–60 g, and 60-70 g) and four scion maturity of (D1, D2, D3, D4) (60 days old, 70 days old, 80 days old, 90 days old were used as treatments in a factorial completely randomized experimental design. The outcome showed that the best germination rate of 75% for S4 and the highest survival percentage (94.98%) for S4D4. After 90th DAG the maximum number of new shoots per plant (5.75), number of leaves/plants (18.15), leaf area (20.83 cm2), and carbohydrate content (6.57%) were reported. Based on the results of the experiment, it was determined that the optimum method for propagating avocados was softwood grafting using 60–70 g seed size (rootstock) and 90-day-old scion. These plants had better vigor and faster germination rates, all of which could reduce the length of time spent in the nursery while still ensuring the quality of the material, which is influenced by improved seedling growth.

BIOINSECTICIDE POTENTIAL OF ETHANOL EXTRACTS FROM <i>Persea americana</i> (LAURACEAE) SEEDS ON <i>Aedes aegypti</i> MOSQUITOES

Mosquitoes represent the most important agent disseminating infectious diseases like yellow fever, dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, among others. An essential strategy for its control is killing them at immature stages using industrial insecticides. However, those chemicals often generate resistance and affect the environment and human health. Agricultural and plant by-products constitute a new sustainable option to obtain harmless and eco-friendly bioinsecticides to prevent mosquitoes from spreading. This study aimed to investigate the phytochemical profile of Persea americana Mill (Lauraceae) seed extracts and their insecticide activity against Aedes aegypti at larval and pupal stages. The ethanol extracts from avocado seeds were obtained by Maceration/stirring (MaE) and Soxhlet extraction (SE) methods. The main chemical profile was determined by quantitative and UPLC assays. Insecticide activity was assessed by the exposition of mosquitoes at larval and pupal stages to seed extracts. Human cell lines were used to evaluate the cytotoxicity. Soxhlet methodology was more efficient in the extraction of P. americana seeds metabolites (42.13±1.76 mg/mL) compared with MaE (20.46±1.66 mg/mL) (p< 0.05). Additionally, SE showed a higher amount of polyphenols (5.12±0.18 mg/mL). The UPLC spectra analysis revealed the presence of polyphenols, mainly catechin, and neolignan constituents. Both extracts showed larvicidal and pupicidal effects, but SE was more active at lower concentrations. Moreover, no significant toxic effects on human monocytes and fibroblast cell lines were found after treatment. In sum, avocado seed by-products can be considered an eco-friendly insecticide and its use may help to substantially decrease the vector-transmitted diseases in developing countries.

Local Morphological Variety of Avocado: West Java, Indonesia

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a fruit that originated in southern Mexico and Central America and has since expanded far to many nations, including Indonesia in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, one fruit product with a great economic worth is the avocado. One of the generating regions is West Java. This study aims to examine the morphological variety of avocados in several West Java locations. The study was carried out between 2019 and 2022. The West Javan regions of Bogor and Depok Regency were noted for their avocado farming. As described by the avocado descriptor, the tree, leaves, fruit, and seed were observed. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis were employed in the data analysis by Minitab 16. The findings revealed that 81.3% of the variety was contributed by the five main factors. The diversity of avocado varieties was divided into three groups with a 31% degree of similarity. Morphological characteristics such as fruit shape, skin color, fruit flesh color, fruit flesh thickness, and seed shape, including tree shape, leaf shape, and fruit neck, contributed the most to the total diversity.

Effect of Avocado Seed Ethanol Extract (Persea americana Mill) on Superoxide Dismutase (SOD1) and Histological Expression of Pancreas in Rats (Rattus norvegicus) with Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus causes a pancreatic β-cells damage due to the increase of oxidative stress, thereby reducing Superoxide Dismutase 1 (SOD1) activity. This enzyme activity can be increased by utilizing antioxidant compounds from the avocado seed extract. This study aims to determine the increase of SOD1 expression and the repair of pancreatic β-cells tretaed with the ethanol extract of avocado seeds (Persea americana Mill). It is also aimed to observe the expression of pancreatic SOD1 and its histopathology change. The expression was measured by using immunohistochemical. This research used 20 Wistar rats aged of 2-3 moths, weighing of 150-200 grams. The diabetic rats were induced by streptozotocin (STZ) with dose of 30 mg/kg BW intraperitoneally. The rats were divided into 5 groups, namely: group 1 is healthy rats, group 2 is diabetic rats, while the group 3, 4 and 5 are therapeutic groups with 300, 350 and 400 mg/kg BW doses of ethanol extract for 14 days treatment. The results showed the ethanolic extract of avocado seeds has a potential as an antidiabetic agents based on the increase of pancreatic SOD1 (p<0.05) significantly, increase of SOD1 expression 7.6 ± 1.34, 11.6 ± 1.94 and 13.0 ± 2.82 in three different doses therapy (300, 350 and 400 mg/kg BW), and repairing structure of β-pancreatic cells on the therapeutic groups.

Extraction and characterisation of avocado seed starch (Persea americana Miller) and application in aerogels

SummaryAvocado seed (Persea americana Miller) is a by‐product of fruit processing and is considered a potential alternative source of starch. The use of starches from unconventional sources can be an alternative to replace modified starches as a functional ingredient in food systems. This study aimed to extract and characterise starch from avocado seed varieties Fortuna and Hass and produce aerogels. Starches were characterised by physical, chemical, thermal and morphological properties. The aerogels were produced by physical crosslinking and evaluated for water absorption capacity and physical properties. The starch extraction yield was 12%, and the granules had oval and spherical morphology. Amylose content ranged from 41.95% to 49.46%, and relative crystallinity from 22% to 25% for Hass and Fortuna, respectively. The Fortuna starch showed higher pasting temperature, peak viscosity, peak time and final viscosity values. Aerogels had excellent structural characteristics and had not deformed after 24 h of hydration; the Fortuna starch aerogels showed higher water absorption and mechanical resistance. The properties of avocado seed starch indicate a vast potential for application in food industries and for developing biodegradable packaging with excellent physical properties and excellent water retention capacity.

Effect Of Avocado Seed (Persea Americana Mill.) On The Growth Of Bacteria Prevotella Intermedia (In Vitro)

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth caused by bacteria present in the dental plaque biofilm. Gingivitis and periodontitis are the most common periodontal diseases and are associated with bacteria Prevotella intermedia. Avocado seeds are one way to inhibit this bacteria. the aim of this study is to prove that avocado seed extract (Persea americana Mill.) has an antibacterial effect on bacterial growth Prevotella intermedia. This study was a pure laboratory experimental post-test only control group design. The research sample was divided into 10 groups, namely 8 groups of avocado seed extract with different concentrations, 1 positive control group (chlorhelxidinel glulconat 0,2%), and 1 negative control group (aquades). Avocado seed extract (Persea americana Mill.) has antibacterial power against bacteria Prevotella intermedia with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 3.125% and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) of 6.25%. Avocado seed extract has antibacterial power against the bacteria Prevotella intermedia with MIC 3.125% and MBC 6.25%.

Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity, and Antibacterial Studies of Persea americana Mill. (Avocado) Seed Husk Mediated Hydronium Jarosite Nanoparticles

The application of nanotechnology in antimicrobial and cytotoxicity studies has recently been receiving increased interest. This paper report on the use of Persea americana Mill. (avocado) seed husk to synthesize hydronium jarosite nanoparticles in a facile, economical, and eco-friendly manner. We describe firstly the synthesis of hydronium jarosite nanoparticles using P. americana (avocado) seed husk aqueous extract as a reducing and chelating agent for the reduction of iron (II) sulfate heptahydrate. Secondly, we describe the characterization of the nanoproduct with scanning electron microscopy (SEM); energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX); high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM); X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); and, lastly, the cytotoxicity and antibacterial effect of hydronium jarosite nanoparticles using murine macrophage cells (Raw 264.7) cell lines, Gram-negative (Escherichia coli), Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. These hydronium jarosite avocado seed husk-mediated nanoparticle-coated 2D sheets did not show any antibacterial activity against the bacteria tested but did show concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Further research is required to optimize the antibacterial properties and reduce the cytotoxicity of this nanomaterial synthesized using green nanochemistry.

Effectiveness Test of Avocado Seed Extract (Persea Americana Mill.) in Inhibiting the Growth of Staphylococcus aureus Bacteria In Vitro

Staphylococcus aureus can cause several health problems in the oral cavity, including stomatitis, tooth abscess, soft tissue infections, gingivitis, and periodontitis. The exploration of new therapeutic modalities for Staphylococcus aureus infection is urgent. Staphylococcus aureus has developed resistance to many of the antibiotics commonly used to treat bacterial infections. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial effectiveness of avocado seed extract (Persea americana Mill.) in inhibiting bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro. This study is an in vitro study in which 28 petri dishes have been added with 1-2 oses of bacterial culture Staphylococcus aureus and MHA (Mueller Hinton Agar) were used in this study. There were 7 test groups, namely 0.2% chlorhexidine as a positive control (K1), negative control, DMSO (K2), avocado seed extract treatment group 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% respectively as K3-K7. Treatment of avocado seed extract with a concentration of 6% has the ability to grow bacteria Staphylococcus aureus better than the bacterial growth ability of the positive control, chlorhexidine. The increase in extract concentration was in line with the increase in the diameter of the bacterial inhibition zone Staphylococcus aureus. Avocado seed extract (Persea americana mill.) showed effectiveness in inhibiting bacterial growth of Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

Remediation and mitigation measures to counteract orchard soil degradation by treated wastewater irrigation

Recent studies have shown that long-term irrigation with treated wastewater (TWW11Treated wastewater irrigation (TWW): Freshwater (FW): Blended TWW:FW in a 1:1 ratio (MIX): Low-frequency TWW-irrigation (LFI): TWW irrigated tuff trenches (TUF)) can lead to land degradation and reduction of crop performance in clayey soils due to additions of salts and organic compounds. This study investigated the effects of two remediation and two mitigation methods intended to alleviate the damage to soil properties following long-term irrigation with TWW. The experiment was conducted in a ‘Hass’ avocado orchard (Persea americana Mill.) grown on a clayey soil irrigated with TWW since 2009. The treatments implemented in 2016 included: TWW (control), freshwater (FW), blended TWW:FW in a 1:1 ratio (MIX), low-frequency TWW-irrigation (LFI), and TWW irrigated tuff trenches (TUF). The results showed that FW and MIX significantly reduced total salinity, salinity-related ions (Na and Cl), and sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) to (i) depths of 90 cm and 30 cm under drippers, respectively, and (ii) depths of 60 cm (except for chloride) and 30 cm between drippers, respectively, compared with TWW. TUF and LFI reduced soil salinity and sodicity under drippers but not between drippers compared with TWW. Moreover, FW significantly increased aggregate stability to a depth of 30 cm. TUF had the highest oxygen concentration in the root zone (35 cm depth), followed by FW. Considering the scarcity of freshwater, MIX and TUF are suggested as possible measures for reducing soil salinity and sodicity, and increasing aeration of clayey soils under long-term irrigation with TWW, respectively. Our findings contribute valuable insights into strategies for remediating and mitigating the detrimental effects of TWW irrigation on soil, thus promoting sustainable agriculture in regions facing water scarcity.

Timing of Floral Differentiation in Four Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Cultivars on the Main Island of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan

We conducted a morphological investigation of flower bud differentiation in four cultivars of avocado (Persea americana Mill.): ‘Pinkerton’ (Guatemalan hybrid), ‘Simmons’ (West Indian), ‘Hass’ (predominantly Guatemalan × Mexican), and ‘Monroe’ (Guatemalan × West Indian). The avocado cultivars were planted on the main island of Okinawa Prefecture, which is the only subtropical area of Japan. Buds were collected on 15 November, and 1 and 19 December, 2011, and on 4 and 17 January 2012. The buds were sectioned longitudinally at a thickness of 15 μm through paraffin sectioning, double-stained with Safranin O and Fast green, and observed under an optical microscope to morphologically determine the flower bud differentiation stage. Flower bud differentiation occurred earliest in ‘Pinkerton’ in mid-December, followed by ‘Simmons’ in early January and ‘Hass’ in mid-January. Flower bud differentiation was not observed in ‘Monroe’ during the study period. How to Cite: Takaaki Maeda, Yoshimi Yonemoto, Md. Amzad Hossain, 2023. "Timing of Floral Differentiation in Four Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Cultivars on the Main Island of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan." Journal of Agriculture and Crops, vol. 9, pp. 408-412.

Effect of Predry-treatment on the bioactive constituents and quality of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) oil from three cultivars growing in China.

Avocado oil has gained a lot of favor in foods and cosmetics because of its high-quality fatty acid composition and bioactive components. This study aimed to compare the effect of various predry-treatments on the yield and quality of avocado oil from three Chinese avocado (Persea americana Mill.) varieties (Hass, Reed, and Pinkerton). The results showed that drying methods had significant effect on the avocado oil yield and its composition. Among the three drying methods the highest yield was obtained by freeze drying, and Hass showed the highest yield in the three avocado varieties with its oil owning the lowest peroxide and anisidine value. Reed oil owned the highest levels of functional micronutrients (e.g., tocopherols, phenolics, squalene). Vacuum drying resulted in higher concentrations of tocopherols, phytosterols, phenolics, squalene, and thus rendered greater DPPH and ABTS scavenging activity. These results are important to improve the quality of Chinese avocado oil.

Air Temperature as a Key Indicator of Avocado (Cvs. Fuerte, Zutano, Hass) Maturation Time in Mediterranean Climate Areas: The Case of Western Crete in Greece

Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical fruit that has gained immense popularity worldwide due to its unique flavor, nutritional value, and numerous health benefits. The growth and maturation of avocados are influenced by various environmental and climatic factors. Temperature is one of the most critical factors, as it plays a significant role in various physiological processes of this fruit. This study aimed to investigate the effect of air temperature on avocado development and assess the harvest maturity period (determined by the dry matter content) of Fuerte, Zutano, and Hass, the most common avocado varieties, grown in Western Crete, Greece. Fruit samples collected from avocado orchards in five regions of Western Crete were subjected to dry matter analysis during the ripening period for the years 2017 to 2022. Maturation time is determined based on the EU regulation for dry matter concentration. The results of this study revealed that dry matter concentration can be affected by both very high summer temperatures and low temperatures during the ripening period. Specifically, high temperatures during the summer months can have a significant impact on avocado development and result in a reduced dry matter concentration. On the other hand, low temperatures during the maturation stage can slow down enzymatic activity and metabolic processes, resulting in delayed ripening and a prolonged time to reach optimal maturity. This delay in maturation and reduced dry matter concentration can significantly affect the harvest timing, as growers may need to wait for the avocados to develop the desired characteristics before they can be harvested. Our findings are the first data on avocado maturation (dry matter concentration) in relation to temperature and provide valuable insights into harvest maturity period of avocado cultivation in Crete and other regions with similar Mediterranean climatic conditions.

Therapeutic effects of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) seed powder against reproductive toxicity induced by Mancozeb (herbicide) in female rabbits

Pesticides like Mancozeb are being increasingly indispensable in the control of crop pests. Unfortunately, they have been implicated in genotoxicity due to their ubiquity, toxicological properties, persistence and presence in the food chain. This study sought to evaluate the efficacy of powdered avocado seed on reproductive parameters in the management of oxidative stress in female rabbits caused by the herbicide Mancozeb. Twenty-eight female rabbits aged 7–8 months and weighing between 2780.4 g and 3143.7 g were randomly divided into four groups of seven rabbits each. Each group received for 90 consecutive days distilled water or Mancozeb associated or not with avocado seed powder orally as follows: T1: 10 ml distilled water; T2, T3 and T4: 100 mg/kg bw Mancozeb. This was followed by oral administration of 250, 500, and 0 mg/kg of avocado seed powder for T2, T3, and T4, respectively. Water and feed were distributed ad libitum. Collected data concerned growth, carcass and reproductive performances, hematological and biochemistry characteristics. Results demonstrated that pregnant and lactating female rabbits administered Mancozeb exhibited a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in food intake, body weight, and body weight gain. Female rabbits exposed to Mancozeb had a decrease in litter size and weight from birth to weaning, as well as in weaning body weight and weight increase, fertility and prolificacy rate, milk yield, and daily milk efficiency. However, administration of avocado seed powder reversed (P < 0.05) the trends in these parameters in a dose-dependent manner. The increase in relative weight of the kidney and liver, concentrations of urea, creatinine, alanine and aspartate aminotransferases, mean cell volume, white blood cells, and lymphocytes were all associated with increased Mancozeb rates (P < 0.05). On the contrary, administration of the Mancozeb caused decrease in hemoglobin (Hb), Red blood Cell (RBC) and protein content. Administration of avocado seed powder significantly (P < 0.05) ameliorated the Mancozeb effects on these parameters. Applying 500 mg/kg b.w Avocado seed powder may be suggested as an alternative therapy for reproductive defects induced by Mancozeb in female rabbits.

Formulasi Sediaan Masker Peel Off dari Ekstrak Buah Alpukat (Persea Americana Mill.) dengan Variasi Konsentrasi Polivinil Alkohol (PVA)

Face mask peel off is a skin care product that when applied to the skin will dry out which can be peeled off from the skin of the face. Avocado Flesh (Persea americana Mill.) has powerful antioxidants that can be used in moisturizing and anti-aging products. This study aims to produce mask preparations to peel off gel from avocado fruit extract (Persea americana Mill.) to moisturize facial skin. This study used the maceration method to obtain a thick extract from avocado fruit. Mask formulation peel off made in a variety of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) bases, namely 10% (F1), 12% (F2) and 14% (F3) as a film-forming agent. The evaluation is based on physical parameters including organoleptic, homogeneity, spreadability, pH, viscosity, flow properties, drying time and measurement of facial skin moisture levels. The evaluation results on the pH test, homogeneity and drying time showed that all formulas met the standard parameters, namely the PVA pH test 10% = 6.46; PVA 12% = 6.4; PVA 14% = 6.35, in the long test the drying time of 10% PVA = 18.97 minutes; PVA 12% = 20.82 minutes; and 14% PVA = 24.66 minutes. Meanwhile, in the organoleptic test,viscosity, the three formulas were pharmaceutically unstable, namely in the organoleptic test the three formulas experienced a change in consistency, in the spreadability test the spreadability value of PVA 10% = 5.41; PVA 12% = 4.75; PVA 14% = 4.03, in the viscosity test of the three formulas after forced conditions = E (error: the viscosity value exceeds the maximum limit of the viscometer). Based on the results of the facial skin moisture test, it shows that Avocado fruit extract with a concentration of 0.6% can provide effectiveness as a moisturizer for facial skin.

Physicochemical Properties of Avocado Seed Extract Model Beverages and Baked Products Incorporated with Avocado Seed Powder.

Consumption of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) has increased worldwide in recent years. The avocado pulp is used, but the peel and seed are discarded as waste. Studies have shown that the seeds are rich in phytochemicals that can be utilized in food systems. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Hass avocado seed as a source of polyphenols in the processing of model beverages and baked products with functional properties. The proximate analysis of the avocado seed powder was carried out. The shelf life of phenols in avocado seed powder (ASP) stored in dark, amber-colored bottle and transparent bottle was studied for six months. The seed extract was incorporated into model beverages of different pHs stored at refrigerated and ambient temperatures, and the shelf life was monitored for 20 weeks. The seed powder was incorporated into baked products at 0, 15, 30, or 50% followed by total phenolic content and sensory property analysis. Proximate composition of the seed powder for moisture, ash, protein, fiber, fat, and total carbohydrates was 14.19, 1.82, 7.05, 4.00, 13.64, and 59.30 percent, respectively. During storage of the seed powder, there was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in the phenol content under the different storage light conditions for six months. In the model beverages, lower pH levels (2.8, 3.8, and 4.8) and those stored at ambient temperatures (25°C) recorded lower phenol content than the control pH, i.e., 5.5, and those under refrigerated conditions throughout the storage period studied (20 weeks). The concentration of phenols in the baked products increased with increasing avocado seed powder. The color of all the queen cake formulations was liked very much by the sensory panel. The aroma of 0% and 15% ASP was liked very much, while the other formulations (30% and 50%) were liked moderately. The taste rating and overall acceptability decreased with an increasing avocado seed powder in the queen cake formulations. Avocado seed extracts can be incorporated to prepare functional beverages and functional baked products that are acceptable by sensory panelists.

Effect of Avocado Leaves Extract on Creatinin and Urea Levels in Rats Induced NaCl and Prednison

Creatinine and urea are metabolic waste substances excreted by the kidneys. Kidneys excrete metabolic waste substances. Renal dysfunction is associated with the increased level of creatinine and urea in the blood. The ethanolic extract of avocado leaves (Persea americana Mill.) contains flavonoid compounds, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and steroids which act as antioxidants and antihypertensive. It is known to reduce creatinine and urea levels in the blood. The animal model was divided into five groups: normal control, negative control (CMC - Na 0.5 %), and avocado leaves ethanolic extract group with doses of 75, 150, and 250 mg/kg BW rats. All groups except the normal control group were induced by oral administration of NaCl solution 2 % and prednisone suspension 1.5 mg/kg BW rats for 21 days and following treatment by oral administration for 7 days based on its group. Flavonoid compounds of avocado leave ethanolic extract identified as 5,7-di-OH-dihydroflavonol. Results show Kruskal - Wallis test between groups (p &lt; 0.05) is significantly different. Concluded that administration of avocado leaves ethanol extract at doses of 75, 150, and 250 mg/kg BW rats might reduce creatinine levels, while avocado leaves ethanol extract at a dose of 250 mg/kg BW rats could reduce urea levels.

Rapid identification of main antibacterial components from New Zealand ‘Hass’ avocado peel hexane extract

‘Hass’ avocado (Persea americana Mill) is a very popular tropical fruit that contains several nutrients, including vitamins, proteins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids. ‘Hass’ avocado peel is one of the by-products obtained from the New Zealand (NZ) avocado processing industry. The current study focused on the antibacterial components from hexane ‘Hass’ avocado peel extract. The aim was to perform microbiological screening of NZ hexane ‘Hass’ avocado peel extract using Staphylococcus aureus. We used thin- layer chromatography (TLC) with direct microbiological detection to isolate the individual components that showed antibacterial activity. Mass spectrometry (MS) analysis characterized the isolated components from hexane peel extract. (15Z)-9,12,13-Trihydroxy-15-octadecenoic acid, (±)9-HpODE, and NP-011548 are the three fatty acids that have been tentatively identified. Present findings provide new bioactive components from avocado peel and suggest potential applications for this extract as a natural antibacterial additive in soaps, and detergents.

Spectral Characterization of Avocado Persea Americana Mill. Cv. Hass Using Spectrometry and Imagery from the Visible to Near-Infrared Range

Remote sensing technologies, such as spectral imaging, have great potential for crop monitoring. Spectral systems measure the energy reflected and emitted by a surface, typically between the visible and near-infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. This paper presents a spectral characterization of avocado (Persea americana Mill. cv. Hass) using spectrophotometry and spectral imaging. The study uses data from four avocado farms, which were collected in situ using spectrometers and GreenSeeker sensors and remotely using satellites such as Landsat 8 and Sentinel 2. The spectral signatures captured by the in situ and remote sensors were compared and subsequently related to vegetation indices. Spectrometry revealed differences between young and mature leaves, particularly in the 480 nm to 650 nm region of the spectrum, which showed color changes in young avocado leaves. The analysis of satellite data highlighted significant differences between Sentinel 2 and Landsat 8 spectral signatures. These differences are likely due to several factors, including collection date, preprocessing, and spatial resolution of the data. Finally, the vegetation indices derived from in situ and satellite measurements displayed different scales. For in situ data, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) values were around 0.9 for the spectrometers and 0.7 for the GreenSeeker sensors. However, the NDVI values derived from satellite data were around 0.4 for Sentinel 2 and 0.3 for Landsat 8.

Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Oil from Dried Avocado (Persea Americana Mill.) Fruit Pulp: Oil Yield, Solubility, and the Oil Characteristics

The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of supercritical fluid technology for extraction of avocado oil. The dried avocado fruit pulp (Persea americana Mill.) was extracted by using a semi-pilot supercritical extraction system. Effect of several process parameters, such as CO2 flow rate, particle size, pressure and temperature on total oil yield, free fatty acid, peroxide value, total phenolic and total flavonoid content in oil were assessed. Avocado oil was extracted within the range for flow rate of 10 and 15L/h, particle size of 2.0 and 3.0 mm, temperature of 34, 42 and 50 oC and pressure of 15, 20, 25 and 30 MPa. Kinetic curves clearly exhibited three periods of extraction (constant rate, falling rate and diffusion-controlled). Increasing flow rate, pressure, temperature or reducing particle size brought an increase in the oil yield and extraction rate. Overall, after 150 min of extraction, the oil in dried avocado was almost completely extracted. The oil yield by supercritical CO2 method (58.97%) obtained at 50 oC and 30 MPa was higher than that by Soxhlet method (55.83%). An increase in pressure (at constant temperature) brought an increase in free fatty acid values in oil but decrease in peroxide values and total phenolic content. On the other hand, the effect of temperature on those parameters was opposite. The oil by supercritical CO2 method was of better quality than that by Soxhlet method.