Effect of Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) on the Postharvest Quality of Avocado Fruits from Mexico

The effect of Avocado sunblotch viroid (ASBVd) on the postharvest quality was studied in avocado (Persea americana Miller) Hass fruits from five classes: healthy fruits from healthy trees (C1), asymptomatic fruits from asymptomatic but infected trees (C2), asymptomatic fruits from symptomatic trees (C3), symptomatic fruits severity rating of 1 (C4) and symptomatic fruits severity rating of 2 (C5) harvested in 2011 and 2012. The postharvest parameters evaluated were: firmness, color, weight loss, dry matter, mineral and oil content. C4 and C5 were significantly different (Tukey, p = 0.05) in delayed ripening, less dark coloration and less weight loss compared to C1, C2 and C3. Firmness in C4 and C5 was harder (2-5.5 Newtons) on the eighth day, while C1, C2 and C3 was softer (< 2 Newtons) and reached it on the sixth day. Coloration in C1, C2 and C3 was black on the eighth day, whereas in C4 and C5 remained 75% obscure. Weight loss in C4 and C5 was 1.4 g/day whereas in C1, C2 and C3 was 2 g/day. Dry matter, mineral and oil content were similar in the five classes. ASBVd affected the postharvest quality of symptomatic fruits. Asymptomatic fruits satisfied the international quality standards.