Employing non-invasive photoacoustic spectrometry, emissions of nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene in post-harvest strawberries and avocados were monitored. A clear-cut stoichiometric relationship was found between the two gases: unripe fruit manifesting high NO and low ethylene levels-the converse in ripe fruit. Findings are discussed in the light of putative control of ethylene-promoted fruit sen...

Scientists publishing a new study in the journal JCI Insight have concluded that high-potassium foods such as avocados and bananas protect the arteries against hardening or calcification. Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that increased potassium consumption protects against atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and aortic stiffness, or the hardening of the heart's ...

Eighty six isolates of C. gloeosporioides isolated from avocados from various production areas were compared using fruit inoculation studies. Differences were observed, and isolates could be grouped into three groups based on lesion size. These results are preliminary and further investigation must be carried out to confirm these findings.

Abnormalities in ripening lead, in some years, to substantial losses of fruit. For example, in tomato, there is a physiological disorder known as "blotchy" fruit which has been related to alterations in the cell wall metabolism (7). Some areas within the fruit fail to soften normally resulting in hard spots in the otherwise ripe fruit. This reduction in quality of the fruit often results in rej...

It is particularly important that the public know the nutritional value of the avocado, especially the oil content and the part it plays in our proper nutrition. Most people think of the avocado as fattening or have never heard much about this fruit. It is apt to be considered a luxury fruit. Even with potatoes and tomatoes selling for more per pound than avocados, it is difficult to impress th...

Experience with tip grafting avocados has shown that there are distinct seasonal differences in success. Grafts made during the winter and early spring months, especially in January, February, and early March, are nearly 100 per cent successful, while in late spring, summer, and early fall the percentages are often much lower. This is especially true with certain varieties. For example, results...

Field trials of the sex pheromone of an important and potentially invasive pest of avocados, Persea americana Miller (Lauraceae), Stenoma catenifer Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Elachistidae), were carried out in commercial avocado orchards in Guatemala. The results indicated that the pheromone consists of a single component, (9Z)-9,13-tetradecadien-1-ynal; blends of this compound with a range of ra...