Resumen El aumento de la demanda global de una mercancía puede, paradójicamente, reducir las oportunidades comerciales de productores orientados al mercado nacional. En Colombia, la creciente demanda de aguacates para exportación ha llevado a la expulsión de productores de otras variedades que durante décadas han abastecido el mercado nacional. Esto se debe a la entrada de inversionistas que han expandido la producción de aguacate tanto en los mercados nuevos como en los preexistentes. Al mismo tiempo, los productores preexistentes han rechazado las oportunidades creadas por el aumento de la demanda cuando estas van en contra de sus posibilidades de sustento. A través de entrevistas con actores de la cadena de valor del aguacate en Santander, Colombia, y un diálogo con las literaturas de cadenas de valor y sistemas agroalimentarios, esta investigación destaca la necesidad de estudiar los efectos sociales del comercio de mercancías más allá de las relaciones lineales.

Abstract This research finds that rising global demand for a specific commodity can, paradoxically, reduce commercial opportunities for preexisting producers oriented towards domestic markets. In Colombia, increased commercial opportunities for export avocados have excluded small-scale farmers from the domestic markets they have supplied for decades. This situation is the result of increased participation of investors in avocado production, as these investors have seized part of the opportunities in the domestic market. Simultaneously, traditional farmers have consciously rejected apparent opportunities, created by rising global demand for avocados, that put their long-term livelihoods at risk. This work is based on ethnographic research in Santander Colombia. Through a dialogue between global value chain analysis and agrofood systems research, we highlight the need to explore the effects of changing market patterns beyond linear relations.

Resumo Este estudo avaliou o efeito nas propriedades físicas e sensoriais do congelamento de abacates cortados ao meio (AH) pelo método tradicional (MT) em freezer contínuo e pelo método assistido por campo eletromagnético (EM) em um freezer CAS -Cells Alive System, obtendo HATM e HAEM, respectivamente. Cada HA do mesmo espécime (obtendo 2 HA: um para o estado fresco e outro para o estado congelado-descongelado) foi codificado e avaliado. A firmeza da parte superior do AH fresco foi maior (p < 0,05) do que a parte inferior. A curva de congelamento mostrou a fase de cristalização no HAEM (de 14,25 a 20,33 min), indicando a formação de cristais de gelo, afetando a diminuição significativa (p < 0,05) em mais de 60% da firmeza do HA descongelado em relação ao estado fresco. Quanto à cor, houve diferença (p < 0,05) na saturação (C*) entre abacate fresco e descongelado (HATM e HAEM); porém, não houve diferenças (p > 0,05) na tonalidade (h*). A perda de peso do HA descongelado foi inferior a 0,5%. A avaliação sensorial indicou que não há diferenças significativas (p < 0,05) na firmeza entre o HATM e o HAEM pelo teste triangular.

Abstract This study evaluated the effect on physical and sensory properties of freezing Halved Avocados (HA) by Traditional Method (TM) in a continuous freezer and by electromagnetic field-assisted method (EM) with CAS (Cells Alive System) freezer, obtaining HATM and HAEM, respectively. Each HA from the same specimen (obtaining 2 HA: one for fresh and the other for frozen-thawed state) was coded and evaluated. The firmness of the upper part of the fresh HA was higher (p < 0.05) than the lower part. The freezing curve showed the crystallization phase in the HAEM (from 14.25 to 20.33 min), thus indicating the formation of ice crystals, as well as affecting the significant decrease (p < 0.05) in more than 60% of firmness in the thawed HA concerning the fresh state. Regarding the color, there were differences (p < 0.05) in saturation (C*) between fresh and thawed avocado (HATM and HAEM); however, there were no differences (p > 0.05) in the tonality (h*). Weight loss of thawed HA was less than 0.5%. The sensory evaluation indicated there were no significant differences (p < 0.05) in firmness between the HATM and HAEM using the triangular test.

Abstract The proposal of this article is to describe the dynamics that the Pentecostal Evangelical Religious Device (PERD) assumes in the construction of the prison order of Argentine prisons, based on the analysis of the narratives of religious leaders —named as servants— of the so—called «church pavilions». The narratives will be approached from two of its constitutive dimensions. On the one hand, the spiritual worldviews that compose them and on the other hand, their pedagogical dimension. Our hypothesis is that the intersection of both builds a narrative that promotes redemption scripts where two seemingly contradictory meanings prevail, although complementary to prison everyday life: salvation in individual terms, and redemption as a collective contribution to other members of the locked community. This intersection allows us to understand how a set of heterogeneous elements are articulated in the PERD, contributing to the daily management of the confinement. Analysis resulting from field work carried out for more than seven years in four prisons in the province of Santa Fe (Argentina), built from a qualitative approach and empirically based on participant observations and in—depth interviews with prisioners from the self—styled «Christian» wards or «churches», Directors and prison guards committed to the custody of those spaces.

Resumen La propuesta de este artículo es describir las dinámicas que asume el dispositivo religioso evangélico pentecostal (DREP) en la construcción del orden carcelario de las prisiones argentinas, a partir del análisis de las narrativas de líderes religiosos —nombrados como siervos— de los denominados «pabellones iglesia». Las narrativas serán abordadas a partir de dos de sus dimensiones constitutivas. Por una parte, las cosmovisiones espirituales que las componen y por otro, su dimensión pedagógica. Nuestra hipótesis es que la intersección de ambas construye una narrativa promotora de guiones de redención donde imperan dos sentidos aparentemente contradictorios, aunque complementarios para la cotidianeidad carcelaria: la salvación en términos individuales, y la redención como aporte colectivo a otros integrantes de la comunidad encerrada. Dicha intersección permite comprender cómo un conjunto de elementos heterogéneos se articula en el DREP aportando a la gestión cotidiana del encierro. Análisis resultantes de un trabajo de campo realizado durante más de siete años en cuatro cárceles de la provincia de Santa Fe (Argentina), construido desde un enfoque cualitativo y empíricamente sustentado en observaciones participantes y entrevistas en profundidad con detenidos de los pabellones autodenominados «cristianos» o «iglesias», Directivos y guardia cárceles avocados a la custodia de dichos espacios.

ABSTRACT The global demand for avocados has grown in recent years. In Colombia, the Lorena variety is widely accepted in the market but the challenge for consumers is determining when the fruits should be consumed. However, there are no studies on this matter because most research is done on the Hass variety, which dominates global production. Therefore, the objective was to evaluate ripening treatments in Lorena variety avocado fruits to establish the postharvest behavior, avoid quality losses, and maintain organoleptic characteristics, facilitating commercialization of the product. A randomized complete block design was used with two blocks (maturity I and maturity II), five maturation treatments, three ethylene applications (2, 4 and 6 mL L-1), fruits wrapped in unprinted newspaper, and a control. The fruits reached 16 days after harvest (dah) with commercial quality. The application of 6 mL L-1 of ethylene presented the greatest mass loss. At 6 dah, the climacteric peak presented with the highest values of soluble solids, maturity index (MI), and loss of firmness and the lowest percentage of total titratable acidity (TTA). The TTA had higher values for the control treatment during storage. The MI registered two maximums during postharvest: the first in the climacteric peak, and the second during fruit senescence.

RESUMEN La demanda por el fruto de aguacate en el mundo ha crecido en los últimos años. En Colombia, un cultivar que tiene una amplia aceptación en el mercado es la variedad Lorena, la cual tiene frutos que generan dificultad en los consumidores a la hora de identificar el momento adecuado de consumo, sin que haya estudios al respecto, debido a que la mayoría de investigación se realiza en la variedad Hass cuya producción es dominante en el mundo. Por lo anterior, el objetivo fue establecer tratamientos de maduración en frutos de aguacate variedad Lorena, con el fin de conocer el comportamiento poscosecha, para evitar pérdidas de calidad y mantener las características organolépticas, facilitando la comercialización del producto. Para lo cual, se llevó a cabo un diseño de bloques completos al azar, con dos bloques (madurez I y madurez II) y cinco tratamientos de maduración así: tres aplicaciones de etileno (2, 4 y 6 mL L-1), frutos envueltos en papel periódico sin imprimir y un testigo. Los frutos alcanzaron 16 días después de cosecha (ddc) con calidad comercial. La aplicación de 6 mL L-1 de etileno presentó la mayor pérdida de masa. A los 6 ddc se presentó el pico climatérico con los mayores valores de sólidos solubles, índice de madurez (IM) y pérdida de firmeza y los más bajos porcentajes de acidez total titulable (ATT). La ATT mostró mayores valores para el tratamiento testigo durante el almacenamiento. El IM registró dos máximos durante la poscosecha, el primero en el pico climatérico y el segundo durante la senescencia del fruto.

Abstract Most avocados consumed in France come from Peru or Chile. French suppliers vary based on the season; however, Chile is the main supplier of avocados during the winter season. The aim of this study is to analyze the key variables that influence French consumer satisfaction in the preference for Chilean avocados. This is substantiated using an exploratory multivariate analysis, which was performed on a causal model comprised of endogenous constructs: perceived extrinsic and intrinsic quality, perceived risk and perceived value. The sample consists of 346 French consumers of Chilean avocados in supermarkets of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The main results show that the risk perceived by French consumers can only be related to the perceived extrinsic quality of the product. On the other hand, both perceived intrinsic and extrinsic quality are directly related to perceived value. Finally, it is concluded that French consumer satisfaction in the preference for Chilean avocados can be explained by the variables perceived intrinsic quality, perceived extrinsic quality and perceived value.

Resumen La mayor parte de las paltas consumidas en Francia provienen principalmente de Perú y Chile. Los proveedores de Francia varían en función de la temporada, sin embargo, Chile se mantiene como el principal proveedor durante la temporada de invierno. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar las variables claves que influyen en la satisfacción de los consumidores franceses al preferir paltas de origen chileno. Esto se fundamenta mediante un análisis multivariado de carácter exploratorio, el cual se realizó sobre un modelo causal compuesto por los constructos endógenos: calidad percibida extrínseca e intrínseca, riesgo percibido y valor percibido. La muestra consta de 346 consumidores franceses de paltas chilenas en supermercados de la región Ródano-Alpes. Entre los principales resultados se demostró que el riesgo percibido por los consumidores franceses sólo puede estar relacionado a la calidad percibida extrínseca del producto. Por otra parte, tanto calidad percibida intrínseca como extrínseca están directamente relacionadas al valor percibido. Finalmente se concluye, que la satisfacción del consumidor francés al preferir paltas de origen chileno puede ser explicado por las variables: Calidad percibida intrínseca, calidad percibida extrínseca y valor percibido.

Abstract Mexico is the world’s leading producer of ‘Hass’ avocado and the Antillean race avocado is grown in the south of the country. Avocado plant flowers produce a great variety of volatile compounds, which act as chemical signals to attract herbivores and pollinating insects, in addition to providing information for taxonomic purposes. The research aim was to identify and compare the floral volatiles between the ‘Hass’ and Antillean race avocado. Floral volatiles were captured by solid-phase microextraction, and identification was made by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Thirty-five compounds were identified as constituents of the flower aromas; most were monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes. α-Pinene, sabinene, β-pinene, (E)-linalool oxide, benzyl nitrile, lavandulol, methyl salicylate, α-copaene, β-gurjunene and γ-muurolene were only found in ‘Hass’ avocado flowers. The differences can help classify the two types of avocados analyzed into different races. Eventually, this information could be used to find out if these volatile compounds influence the interactions of avocado with its pollinating insects and herbivores.

Resumen México es el principal productor a nivel mundial de aguacate ‘Hass’, y en el sur del país se cultiva aguacate de la raza Antillana. Las flores de las plantas de aguacate producen una gran variedad de compuestos volátiles, los cuales actúan como señales químicas para atraer herbívoros e insectos polinizadores, además de proporcionar información para fines taxonómicos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue identificar y comparar los volátiles florales entre el aguacate ‘Hass’ y el de raza Antillana. La captura de los volátiles de las flores se realizó por microextracción en fase sólida, y la identificación se realizó por cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas (CG-EM). Se identificaron 35 compuestos como constituyentes de los aromas florales; la mayoría fueron monoterpenos y sesquiterpenos. α-Pineno, sabineno, β-pineno, (E)-oxido de linalool, nitrilo de bencilo, lavandulol, salicilato de metilo, α-copaeno, β-gurjuneno y γ- muuroleno se encontraron únicamente en las flores de aguacate ‘Hass’. Las diferencias pueden ayudar a clasificar en diferentes razas los dos tipos de aguacates analizados. Eventualmente, esta información se podría utilizar para conocer si estos compuestos volátiles influyen en las interacciones del aguacate con sus herbívoros e insectos polinizadores.

Abstract In fruit trees, productivity differs between orchards due to the particular condition of the nutritional status of trees, soil fertility, rootstock, crop health and agronomic management. The objective of this research was to compare the yield, quality and post-harvest behavior of ‘Hass’ avocado fruits in two orchards with different fertilization management. The first was located in Valle de Bravo and the second in Villa de Allende, State of Mexico. The evaluation was carried out in 2017. In each orchard the yield, quality, post-harvest behavior and extraction of nutrients by the fruits were measured. In addition, the tree's nutritional status and soil fertility were diagnosed. The fruits of the Valle de Bravo orchard surpassed those of Villa de Allende in yield, weight, length, diameter and oil concentration and density, however, they had less firmness and weight loss. The avocados of Valle de Bravo had higher concentration of K, S, Zn and B, those of Villa de Allende concentrated more Ca, Fe, Cu and Mn. In Valle de Bravo the trees showed deficiencies of Ca, S, Cu, Mn, Zn and B, while, in Villa de Allende, the deficient elements were K, S, Zn and B. In conclusion, the highest yield of fruit obtained in the Valle de Bravo orchard was related to the better nutritional status of the trees and increased soil fertility.

Resumen En frutales, la productividad difiere entre huertos debido a la condición particular del estatus nutrimental de los árboles, fertilidad del suelo, portainjerto, sanidad del cultivo y manejo agronómico. El objetivo de esta investigación fue comparar el rendimiento, calidad y comportamiento poscosecha de frutos de aguacate ‘Hass’ en dos huertos con diferente manejo de la fertilización. El primero se ubicó en Valle de Bravo y el segundo en Villa de Allende, Estado de México. La evaluación se realizó en 2017. En cada huerto se midió el rendimiento, calidad, comportamiento poscosecha y extracción de nutrimentos por los frutos. Además, se diagnosticó el estatus nutrimental del árbol y la fertilidad del suelo. Los frutos del huerto de Valle de Bravo superaron a los de Villa de Allende en rendimiento, peso, longitud, diámetro y concentración y densidad de aceite, sin embargo, presentaron menor firmeza y pérdida de peso. Los aguacates de Valle de Bravo tuvieron mayor concentración de K, S, Zn y B, los de Villa de Allende concentraron más Ca, Fe, Cu y Mn. En Valle de Bravo los árboles mostraron deficiencias de Ca, S, Cu, Mn, Zn y B, mientras que, en Villa de Allende, los elementos deficientes fueron K, S, Zn y B. En conclusión, el mayor rendimiento de fruto obtenido en el huerto de Valle de Bravo se relacionó con el mejor estatus nutrimental de los árboles y mayor fertilidad del suelo.

Abstract Introduction: indiscriminate use of anabolic steroids is associated with cardiovascular diseases, renal damage, and hepatic toxicity. Contrastingly, nutraceutical foods such as avocados prevent and control several diseases, as they can reduce the effects of oxidative stress. Objective: this study evaluates the benefits of consuming an avocado oil-based diet to attenuate the systemic damage caused by supraphysiological doses of testosterone, by analyzing the biochemical profile of 28 42-day-old male Wistar rats. Methods: silicone pellets containing testosterone were surgically implanted, and they received control or avocado oil-based feed. After 20 weeks, all the male rats were anesthetized and their blood samples collected. Results: although the high hormone concentration had a negative influence on the biochemical profile of these animals, the groups that consumed avocado oil exhibited a reduction in serum triacylglycerols (-21 %; p = 0.0001), VLDL (-20 %; p = 0.0085), LDL (-78 %; p < 0.0001), and total cholesterol (-12 %; p < 0.0001), along with positive changes in their HDL concentrations (+7 %; p = 0.001). The avocado oil groups also manifested a reduction in the total concentration of serum proteins (-24 %; p = 0.0357), albumin (-26 %; p = 0.0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0.04), and creatinine (-33 %; p < 0.0001). The concentration of liver transaminases was found to be higher in the animals included in the induced group (ALT, +66 %; p = 0.0005, and AST, +23 %; p = 0.0021), whereas they remained stable in the avocado oil group. Conclusion: from the above, it may be concluded that supraphysiological doses of testosterone are related to increased risk factors for cardio vascular, renal, and hepatic diseases, and that the consumption of avocado oil shields the biochemical profile, thus reducing the associated risk factors.

Resumen Introducción: el uso indiscriminado de esteroides anabólicos se asocia con enfermedades cardiovasculares, daño renal y toxicidad hepática. En cambio, los alimentos nutracéuticos como el aguacate previenen y controlan varias enfermedades, ya que pueden reducir los efectos del estrés oxidativo. Objetivo: este estudio evalúa los beneficios de consumir una dieta basada en aceite de aguacate para atenuar el daño sistémico causado por dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona mediante el análisis del perfil bioquímico de 28 ratas Wistar macho de 42 días de edad. Métodos: se implantaron quirúrgicamente perdigones de silicona que contenían propionato de testosterona y los animales recibieron una alimentación de control o una basada en el aceite de aguacate. Después de 20 semanas se anestesiaron todos los animales y se recogieron sus muestras de sangre. Resultados: aunque la alta concentración de hormonas tuvo una influencia negativa en el perfil bioquímico de estos animales, los grupos que consumieron aceite de aguacate mostraron una reducción de los triglicéridos séricos (-21 %; p = 0,0001), las VLDL (-20 %; p = 0,0085), las LDL (-78 %; p < 0,0001) y el colesterol total (-12 %; p < 0,0001), con cambios positivos en las LDL (+7 %; p = 0,001). Los grupos alimentados con aceite de aguacate manifestaron una reducción de la concentración total de proteínas séricas (-24 %; p = 0,0357), albúmina (-26 %; p = 0,0015), urea (-14 %; p = 0,04) y creatinina (-33 %; p < 0,0001). Se encontró que la concentración sérica de transaminasas hepáticas era mayor en los animales del grupo inducido (ALT: +66 %; p = 0,0005, y AST: +23 %; p = 0,0021), mientras que en los grupos con aceite de aguacate, los parámetros hepáticos se mantuvieron estables. Conclusión: de todo ello se puede concluir que las dosis suprafisiológicas de testosterona están relacionadas con un aumento de los factores de riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardiovasculares, renales y hepáticas, y que el consumo de aceite de aguacate protege el perfil bioquímico, lo que reduce los factores de riesgo asociados.

ABSTRACT The avocado drymifolia is sensitive to the attack of mistletoe, while, “Hass” and “Mendez” exhibit tolerance. This difference could be related to the secondary metabolites produced by the plant. The biochemical profile of drymifolia, Hass and Mendez avocados was determined, as well as the relationship with mistletoe sensitivity/tolerance. Twenty-seven drymifolia individuals, one Hass and one Mendez, from three localities of Michoacan, Mexico, were evaluated. The extraction and analysis of the volatile compounds were carried out by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and the results were compared with the spectra of the NIST library. The most abundant secondary metabolites were estragole, caryophyllene, (+)-4-carene and γ-terpinene, with 95.0, 88.0 and 90.1 %, of the total of 116 compounds identified, in drymifolia, Hass and Mendez, respectively. In avocado Hass 1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-2,5,5-trimethyl-2H-2,4aethanonaphthalene (0.84 %), α-Cubebene (0.33 %), 2,4,6-octatrienoic acid (0.24 %) and α-phellandrene (0.21 %) were identified and in Mendez, thymol (0.06 %) but these compounds were not identified in any avocado drymifolia. In addition, 2,5-bisbenzaldehyde showed 21.7X and 19.7X times more concentration in Hass and Mendez, respectively, than in drymifolia. The avocado drymifolia presented more secondary metabolites, but the most abundant compounds were shared in the three varieties. The secondary metabolites not found in avocado drymifolia could be related to mistletoe tolerance.

RESUMEN El aguacate drymifolia es sensible al ataque de muérdago, mientras, “Hass” y “Méndez” presentan tolerancia. Esta diferencia podría estar relacionada con los metabolitos secundarios producidos por la planta. Se determinó el perfil bioquímico de aguacates drymifolia, “Hass” y “Méndez”, y la relación con la sensibilidad/ tolerancia al muérdago. Se evaluaron 27 individuos drymifolia, un “Hass” y un “Méndez” de tres localidades de Michoacán, México. La extracción y análisis de los compuestos volátiles se realizó por cromatografía de gases acoplado a espectrometría de masas y los resultados se compararon con los espectros de la biblioteca NIST. Los compuestos más abundantes fueron estragol, cariofileno, (+)-4-careno y γ-terpineno, con 95.0, 88.0 y 90.1 %, del total de 116 compuestos identificados, en drymifolia, “Hass” y “Méndez”, respectivamente. En aguacate “Hass” se identificaron 1,3,4,5,6,7- hexahidro-2,5,5-trimetil 2H-2,4a-etanonaftaleno (0.84 %), α-cubebeno (0.33 %), 2,4,6-ácido octatrienoico (0.24 %) y α-felandreno (0.21 %) y en “Méndez”, timol (0.06 %) pero en ningún individuo drymifolia. Además, 2,5-bisbenzaldehído tuvo 21.7X y 19.7X, veces más abundancia en “Hass” y “Méndez”, respectivamente, que en drymifolia. El aguacate drymifolia presentó mayor cantidad de metabolitos secundarios, pero los compuestos más abundantes fueron compartidos en las tres variedades. Los compuestos no detectados en aguacate drymifolia podrían estar relacionados con la tolerancia a muérdago.

Resumen Introducción. El Estado de Nuevo León se considera depositario de una amplia diversidad genética de aguacates criollos (Persea americana var drimyfolia). Objetivo. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la variabilidad del contenido total de aceite y el perfil de los ácidos grasos en los aguacates criollos de Nuevo León, México. Materiales y métodos. Durante la primavera y el verano de 2016, se recolectaron 36 variedades de aguacates criollos en la región norte y sur del Estado de Nuevo León, México para su caracterización química. La variedad comercial “Hass” fue incluida como control. Para determinar la variabilidad que existe en el contenido de aceites totales y de ácidos grasos en los materiales recolectados, se realizaron análisis de componentes principales y de conglomerados. Resultados. Se detectaron seis ácidos grasos en el aceite total de las variedades de aguacate criollo: palmítico, esteárico, oleico, palmitoleico, linoleico y linolénico. Las variedades “Plátano temprano”, “Plátano delgado”, “Huevo de toro”, “Cuerno”, “Pato” y “Especial”, mostraron en promedio 17,28, 24,93 y 66,29 % más en el contenido de ácidos oleico, linoleico y linolénico, respectivamente, y un promedio de 28,12 % menos de ácido esteárico en comparación con la variedad comercial “Hass”. De acuerdo al análisis de componentes principales, los materiales con altos contenidos de ácido oleico, por lo general tienen bajos contenidos de los ácidos palmítico y palmitoleico. El dendograma presentó seis grupos con los materiales evaluados, la mayoría de los materiales sobresalientes quedaron ubicados en los grupos uno y cuatro. Conclusión. Se determinó una alta variabilidad en el contenido de aceites totales y ácidos grasos en los aguacates criollos de Nuevo León. Por lo tanto, se consideran promisorios para su incorporación a programas de mejoramiento genético.

Abstract Introduction. The State of Nuevo Leon is considered the depositary of a wide genetic diversity of creole avocados (Persea americana var drimyfolia). Objective. The aim of this work was to determine the variability of the total oil content and the fatty acids profile in creole avocados from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. Materials and methods. During the spring and summer of 2016, 36 varieties of creole avocados were collected in the northern and southern region of the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico for chemical characterization. The commercial variety “Hass” was included as a control. To determine the variability that exists in the content of total oils and fatty acids in the collected materials, analyzes of the main components and conglomerates were carried out. Results. Six fatty acids were detected in the total oil of the creole avocados: palmitic, stearic, oleic, palmitoleic, linoleic and linolenic. The outstanding varieties were “Platano temprano”, “Platano delgado”, “Huevo de toro”, “Cuerno”, “Pato”, and “Especial”, which presented an average of 17.28, 24.93 and 66.29 % more in the content of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids respectively, and an average of 28.12 % less stearic acid compared to the commercial variety “Hass”. According to the analysis of main components, materials with high oleic acid content usually have low palmitic and palmitoleic acid contents. The dendrogram presented six groups within the evaluated materials, most of the outstanding materials are located in groups one and four. Conclusion. High variability in the content of total oils and fatty acids was determined in creole avocados from Nuevo Leon. Therefore, they are considered promising for their incorporation into genetic improvement programs.

ABSTRACT Avocado is currently an important crop in Colombia, given its growth in planted area and the increase in exports. The destination market of Colombian avocado is mainly international, and its quality is outstanding. However, the physical and chemical characteristics associated with the quality of the avocados produced are not currently well known in Colombia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical, chemical and nutritional parameters associated with the quality of Hass avocado in eight localities of the department of Antioquia based on descriptive statistics. Additionally, the quality was related to the localities through a multivariate analysis. As a result, quality at preharvest parameters of Hass avocados cultivated in Antioquia is similar or superior to that reported internationally based on physical and chemical variables. In addition, a relationship was established between the quality of fruits and the plots where these were cultivated, which allowed discriminating fruits by their region of origin. This work shows an approach to the determination of quality parameters in Hass avocado in Colombia and how they can be related to the characteristics of its productive system, which can lead to defining a product with added value.

Resumen El uso de metodologías no invasivas y de bajo costo permiten el seguimiento de la madurez y calidad de los frutos, sin afectar el producto bajo estudio. En particular, el aguacate Hass es de alta importancia para el sector agrícola en Colombia, ya que se está impulsando fuertemente su exportación, generando una expansión del terreno cultivado con este fruto. Por consiguiente, en este artículo se estudia y analiza el estado de madurez del aguacate Hass, a través de un sistema de captura de imágenes hiperespectrales no-invasivo, utilizando técnicas de análisis de componentes principales (PCA), realizando seguimiento por medio del índice de vegetación de diferencia normalizada (NDVI), el índice de vegetación de relación (RVI) y el índice de reflectancia fotoquímica (PRI) e índices de colorimetría en el espacio de color CIE L*a*b* y el índice de verdor triangular (TGI). En particular, en este trabajo se realizó un análisis cuantitativo del proceso de maduración con una población de 7 aguacates a lo largo de 10 días, los cuales fueron clasificados a través de tres categorías: verdes, próximos a madurar y maduros. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que es posible caracterizar los aguacates por medio de imágenes hiperespectrales, utilizando un sistema de adquisición no invasivo. Con este análisis se espera poder clasificar una producción de aguacates en cualquier día de la post-cosecha.

Abstract The use of non-invasive and low-cost methodologies allows the monitoring of fruit ripening and quality control, without affecting the product under study. In particular, the Hass avocado is of high importance for the agricultural sector in Colombia because the country is strongly promoting its export, which has generated an expansion in the number of acres cultivated with this fruit. Therefore, this paper aims to study and analyze the ripening state of Hass avocados through non-invasive hyperspectral images, using principal component analysis (PCA) along with spectral vegetation indices, such as the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), ratio vegetation index (RVI), photochemical reflectance index (PRI), colorimetry analysis in the CIE L*a*b* color space, and color index triangular greenness index (TGI). In particular, this work conducts a quantitative analysis of the ripening process of a population of 7 Hass avocados over 10 days. The avocados under study were classified into three categories: unripe, close-to-ripe, and ripe. The obtained results show that it is possible to characterize the ripening state of avocados through hyperspectral images using a non-invasive acquisition system. Further, it is possible to know the post-harvest ripening state of the avocado at any given day.

Abstract: The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of dry matter as a harvest index and the storage time on the Hass avocado postharvest quality parameters. From four locations, fruit were harvested at three dry matter values: 22, 26 and 30%. After harvest, the external defects, weight, and color fruit were analyzed. The avocados were disinfected and stored (5°C/90%RH during 0, 3, 4 y 5 weeks). After storage, the chilling damage and weight losses were evaluated. After that, fruit were ripened (20°C/90%RH) and the quality aspects of “ready to eat” Hass avocado: color and flesh discoloration were determined. At 26 ± 2% of dry matter, the fruit had the lowest level of defects for the study regions. This means that the avocado fruit quality could improve if the harvest moment and storage time are controlled.

Resumen: El objetivo de esta investigación fue evaluar el efecto de la materia seca como índice de madurez de cosecha y el tiempo de almacenamiento sobre parámetros de calidad del aguacate. En cuatro fincas se cosecharon frutos a tres valores de materia seca: 22, 26 y 30%. Después de la cosecha se midieron defectos externos, peso y color de los frutos. Los aguacates fueron desinfectados y almacenados (5°C/90%HR durante 0, 3, 4 y 5 semanas). Luego del almacenamiento, se evaluaron los daños por frío y pérdida de peso. Posteriormente, los frutos se maduraron (20°C/90%HR) y se determinaron aspectos de calidad en madurez de consumo: color y daños de la pulpa. A un valor de materia seca de 26±2%, la fruta tuvo el menor nivel de defectos de pulpa para las regiones de estudio. Esto significa que, al controlar el momento de recolección del fruto y el tiempo de almacenamiento, se puede mejorar la calidad postcosecha del aguacate.

RESUMO: Um dos grandes problemas na comercialização de abacates é a incidência de doenças pós-colheita, principalmente a antracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) e as podridões pedunculares (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusicoccum aesculi e Neofusicoccum spp.). Em função da carência de informações epidemiológicas sobre esses patossistemas, objetivou-se estabelecer um método para detectar infecções quiescentes e caracterizar o progresso temporal e o padrão espacial dessas doenças em pomar comercial. A detecção de infecções quiescentes foi avaliada em flores e em frutos imaturos e no ponto de colheita comercial, tratados com paraquat, ethrel ou água. O tratamento de flores e frutos imaturos com paraquat propiciou uma rápida detecção de Colletotrichum spp. Em duas safras de um pomar de abacate ‘Hass’, avaliou-se a incidência das doenças a partir das flores abertas até a colheita dos frutos, totalizando 11 avaliações em intervalos quinzenais. Quando os frutos alcançaram o ponto de colheita, avaliou-se a distribuição espacial de frutos doentes nas árvores por meio do índice de dispersão e da lei de Taylor modificada. Na avaliação do progresso temporal das doenças, a antracnose foi a mais importante, apresentando elevada incidência inicial, com 60 e 86% das flores doentes nas duas safras, enquanto que os frutos apresentaram médias de 70 e 87% de incidência da doença, respectivamente. As podridões pedunculares foram constatadas em frutos desde o início de seu desenvolvimento e apresentaram baixas incidências (<8% de frutos), significativamente inferior à de antracnose. As doenças apresentaram dispersão ao acaso dentro das árvores, indicando que o inóculo inicial das doenças está distribuído de maneira uniforme nas plantas.

ABSTRACT: One of the major problems in the commercialization of avocados is the incidence of postharvest diseases, especially anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) and stem-end rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusicoccum aesculi and Neofusicoccum spp.). As there is a lack of epidemiological information on these pathosystems, the objective of this study was to establish a method to detect quiescent infections and characterize their temporal progression and spatial pattern in a commercial orchard. Detection of quiescent infections was evaluated in flowers and fruits that were immature and in commercial harvest stage, treated with paraquat, ethrel or water. Treatment of flowers and immature fruits with paraquat led to rapid detection of Colletotrichum spp. In two seasons of a ‘Hass’ avocado orchard, the incidence of diseases was evaluated from open flowers to fruit harvest, totaling 11 evaluations at biweekly intervals. When fruits reached the harvest stage, the spatial distribution of diseased fruits in the trees was evaluated by means of dispersion index and modified Taylor’s law. Considering the evaluation of temporal disease progression, anthracnose was the most important disease, presenting a high initial incidence of 60 and 86% diseased flowers in the two seasons, respectively, while fruits showed an average disease incidence of 70 and 87%, respectively. Stem-end rot was observed only in fruits since the beginning of their development and presented low incidence (<8% fruits), significantly inferior to that of anthracnose. The diseases showed random dispersion within the trees, indicating that their initial inoculum is evenly distributed in the plants.

Resumo No Peru, aproximadamente 20% da produção de abacate var. Hass é descartada pelo baixo calibre, sendo vendida a preços baixos nos mercados locais. O propósito do trabalho foi otimizar o tempo e a temperatura de branqueamento para a produção de polpa de abacate, utilizando como matéria-prima frutos de descarte por baixo calibre. A otimização foi realizada utilizando a Metodologia de Superfície de Resposta com delineamento rotacional composto central 22 (R2 ≥ 0,75; p < 0,05). As variáveis independentes estudadas foram o tempo (0; 1,5; 5; 8,5; 10 min) e a temperatura (65, 68, 75, 82, 85 °C) de branqueamento, em que os abacates foram branqueados por imersão (com casca), a polpa foi extraída, processada, selada a vácuo (0,035 MPa) e armazenada em refrigeração a 5 °C durante 49 dias. Os abacates de baixo calibre mostram-se ideais para a produção de polpa, pois 98% dos frutos apresentaram um teor de óleo inferior a 15%, com um rendimento médio em polpa de 79,23%. Os resultados indicaram que tempos longos e temperaturas altas de branqueamento acima de 5 min e 75 °C, respectivamente, retêm a cor verde e aumentam o brilho na polpa, evitando o escurecimento enzimático; além disso, o aumento de ambos contribui na estabilidade da acidez e do nível de pH do produto, estendendo sua vida útil. No entanto, na análise sensorial, a polpa submetida a temperaturas acima de 82 °C obteve as menores pontuações em sabor, odor e aceitação geral, devido à presença de sabores amargos e odores desagradáveis na polpa. Os testes do ponto central (5 min; 75 °C) apresentaram as melhores pontuações para as variáveis independentes, como cor, sabor, odor e textura sensorial, além de apresentar boa estabilidade físico-química com uma vida útil de 37 dias.

Abstract In Peru, approximately 20% of the production of avocado var. Hass is discarded due to its low quality, and sold at low prices in local markets. The aim of this study was to optimize the blanching time and temperature to produce avocado pulp, using low quality discarded fruits as the raw material. The process was optimized using Response Surface Methodology with a 22 central composite rotational design (R2 ≥ 0.75; p < 0.05). The independent variables studied were the blanching time (0, 1.5, 5, 8.5, 10 min) and temperature (65, 68, 75, 82, 85 °C), where the avocados were blanched by immersion (with peel), and the pulp extracted, processed, vacuum sealed (0.035 MPa) and stored under refrigeration at 5 °C for 49 days. The low quality discarded avocados were shown to be ideal for pulping, since 98% of the fruits had an oil content below 15% with an average pulp yield of 79.23%. The results indicated that longer blanching times and higher temperatures of above 5 min and 75 °C, respectively, retained the green colour and increased the brightness of the pulp, avoiding enzymatic browning. In addition, the increase in both contributed to the stability of the product acidity and pH level, extending its shelf life. However, in the sensory analysis, the pulp submitted to temperatures above 82 °C obtained the lowest scores for taste, odour and general acceptance due to the presence of a bitter taste and unpleasant odours in the pulp. The central point trials (5 min; 75 °C) presented the best scores for the independent variables such as colour, taste, odour and sensory texture, also showing good physicochemical stability with a shelf life of 37 days.