Response of avocado postharvest life to irrigation regimes in 'Hass' (Persea americana)

Even though storage condition of the fruit has an effect on consumption condition, the postharvest physiology has a mayor influence in the quality of the fruit. The objective of this work was the development of a model to predict the postharvest life of the fruit as the response to specific climate and agricultural practices (irrigation and nutrition). During 3 years (2010-2012) preharvest factors were characterized for 42 sites and their consequent postharvest evolution evaluated for fruit storability during 25, 35 and 45 days at 4-5 degrees C. The data were collected during 3 seasons, and was analyzed through principal components (PCA) and multi-variable regression of the partial least squares (PLS). The postharvest condition of the fruit was affected by Ca and N in the pulp, spring irrigation, and oil content of the fruit. Water deficit above 40% of irrigation requirements affected the shelf-life of the fruit.