Storage of West Indian seedling avocado fruits

Abstract

SummaryChilling injury occurred in West Indian seedling avocado fruits from Trinidad and Grenada when they were stored at less than 55 °F (13 °C). In one experiment injury occurred at 55 °F. Wrapping in polyethylene significantly delayed softening. Perforation of the polyethylene bags did not significantly increase storage life compared with that of unwrapped fruits. The type and size of fruits had no effects on storage life, but significant differences in the number of days to softening were found between fruits from individual trees and between fruits harvested in different areas of Grenada.It appears that wrapping West Indian avocado fruits in polyethylene bags and storing them at 55 °F would generally prolong storage life sufficiently to allow for transport by sea to northern industrial countries.