Research Library

The objectives of this study are to determine if the scarring observed on young GEM avocado fruit is caused by wind or avocado thrips feeding and to determine if wind screens, insecticide applications, or organosilicon surfactants (e.g., Silwet®) can significantly reduce the scarring of young GEM avocado fruit.

This study has provided critical, science-based information to the California Avocado Commission and herbicide registrants to pursue additional product labels. The objectives of this study were: 1. Determine the safety and efficacy of herbicides currently registered for citrus for use on bearing avocado. 2. Identify both pre and post emergent alternatives to glyphosate and simazine.

During the last three years, this project developed at The Huntington has focused on the micropropagation of avocado, including clonal rootstocks, cultivars, and wild relatives. The Huntington's approach to clonal micropropagation of avocado primarily focused on rootstocks of interest for the California industry and The Huntington field collection. 

The overall aim of the present study was to learn more about the prevalence, diversity, and pathogenic lifecycle of Botryosphaeriaceae species in mature avocado orchards in the main producing areas of California. 

The overall goal for this proposal is to continue with the generation and collection of compelling field and horticultural data required to commercially release five of the most promising advanced University of California Riverside rootstocks (PP35, PP40, PP42, PP45, and PP80), which are currently under field evaluation in small regional and large-scale trials throughout California.

The overall goal of this research was to gain further insights on the etiology and epidemiology of ABC and anthracnose, which are critical to developing and providing disease management recommendations for the industry. Botryosphaeria branch canker and dieback of avocado (Persea americana Mill.) has expanded in avocado growing areas in recent years and currently represents a threat for avocado production worldwide because of the important economic losses resulting from reduced yield of affected trees and their premature death.

The popularity and demand for avocado (Persea americana) have increased tremendously. Like many other clonal crops, a few varieties and rootstocks dominate the avocado market. Nowadays, avocado trees are conquering new farming areas. However, at the same time, they are facing new threats, such as new pests and changing environmental conditions. The search for clonal rootstocks that can better adapt to the biotic and abiotic stress conditions is one of the challenges.

Ambrosia beetles — now known to California avocado growers as the Polyphagous and Kuroshio shot hole borers — have invaded numerous areas outside their native range, causing substantial damage to avocado and other tree species. Drs. Richard Stouthamer and Akif Eskalen and their team conducted phylogenetic research to identify cryptic ambrosia beetle species in an effort to determine the native range of the species that have invaded California.

With the emergence and spread of the polyphagous shot hole borer through Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, researchers at the University of California Riverside examined means of reducing the spread of the beetle when transporting wood from infected trees.

Drs. Arpaia and Smith organized a meeting to discuss the status of avocado genetics and breeding worldwide which was held in Riverside on January 11 – 12, 2012. This meeting was followed by a grower field day at the University of California South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine.