Smashing idea: UQ breakthrough in bid to build a better avocado
Avocado lovers rejoice, an even better-tasting fruit could be on the way thanks to a breakthrough by Australian scientists.
A series of bumper crops have pushed down the cost of avocados. (file image).
In a world first, University of Queensland scientists have completed mapping the genome of the avocado.
Dr Onkar Nath who spent his PhD studying Hass avocado chromosomes, has created a nearly complete genome sequence.
“Our Hass genome is 98 per cent complete – the first in the world of such complexity – and we now know which genes are responsible for which characteristic,” Nath said.
“Avocado already tastes very good, but there is still scope for improvement for many useful characteristics such as tree height, architecture and resistance to pests and diseases,” he said.
And he expects the research will also help Australian growers.
“This means we can now through new research identify opportunities for Australian growers to improve on-farm productivity and sustainability including driving efficiencies across time, labour and land,” Dr Nath said.
Professor Robert Henry from the University of Queensland who helped with the research says it will be a crucial resource in terms of managing the crop.
“We might be able to in the future select avocados with characteristics that are improved and better for the consumer, better for the producer,” Henry told AAP.
The professor of innovation in agriculture expects the genome to be adopted around the world.
He said that includes improving its shelf life, appearance and tree size.
“It allows you to think about producing a higher quality product,” he said.
“More trees in a smaller space allows for more sustainable, efficient production.”
The team also studied more than 50 other varieties of avocado to compare the results.
The research is published in Horticulture Research.
