Effects of Incorporating Mango (Mangifera indica), Avocado (Persea americana) and Guava (Psidium guajava) Leaves Powder in the Ration on Growth Characteristics in Rabbits

A study conducted on burgundy rabbits evaluated the effects of rations containing mango (Mangifera indica), avocado (Persea americana) and guava (Psidium guajava) powder. For this purpose, 36 rabbits (20 males and 16 females) aged 60 to 70 days with an average weight of 1012 ± 133 g were divided randomly into 4 equal groups (T0, T1, T2 and T3) of 9 animals each according to body weight (bw). The rabbits were divided throughout the trial, the animals were fed, those of group T0 (control) with a standard feed without any type of leaf powder, while those of groups 1, 2 and 3 received the standard feed supplemented with Mangifera indica, Persea americana and Psidium guajava leaves powder at the rate of 0.5% respectively. After two months of treatment, the animals were fasted for 12 hours (20 h - 8 h) and sacrificed to evaluate carcass and digestive organ weights. The results revealed that the values of feed intake, live weight and weight gain were non-significantly (p > 0.05) increased in all animals regardless of the ration in reference to the control. The different leaves powder induced an increase in carcass yield in rabbits but this increase was only significant (p M. indica leaf powder (51.03 ± 0.24) as compared to the control (48.63 ± 0.74). Gut length was significantly increased in animals fed rations containing Psidium guajava and Persea americana leaves powder compared to the control. A significant increase in gut weight was observed in animals fed the Persea americana leaf supplemented ration. In general, mango leaf powder performed better than other types of powders.

Extraction, Production and Quality Evaluation of Margarine from Oil Extracted from Waste Biomass Peels of Avocado and Virgin Coconut Oil, Using Chitosan from Reared Shells as Preservative

The production and consumption of avocado pears generates tons of wastes, mainly the pear peels which are usually discarded, although they have been reported to contain important phyto-chemicals with biological activities. The adverse health effect associated with the consumption of saturated lipid based foods has ignited research on reformulation of lipid based foods to eliminate Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs). This study was thus aimed at the extraction and characterization of oil from Avocado Peels (APO) and evaluation of the quality of margarine produced from it. Five verities of pear were used for oil extraction by soxhlet method and physiochemical, oxidative, functional and antioxidant characterization was done. Margarines were formulated using a central composite design using oil blends of APO and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) with an oil ratio of 10:90, 40:60, 70:30 respectively, varied blending speed, blending time, and chitosan concentration. Samples were characterized and the effect of process parameters on the physiochemical and functional properties of the margarine studied. Optimized conditions were used to produce samples for sensory evaluation. Color, spreadability, aroma, taste and general acceptability was evaluated using ranking difference test. The results showed that the yield, density, and iodine values of APOs oils ranged from 14.91 ± 0.18 to 11.76 ± 0.46;0.93 ± 0.001 to 0.99 ± 0.1;46.63 ± 1.70 to 52.4 ± 0.63, their acid values, TBA and PV values ranged from 1.42 ± 0.39 to 1.97 ± 0.5;0.11 ± 0.002 to 0.18 ± 0.04;and 2.72 ± 0.14 to 4.43 ± 0.36 respectively, with Brogdon avocado peel variety having the overall best properties prepared blends of trans-free APO margarines showed that increase in APO ratio decreased melting point, increased oxidative stability and reduced moisture content of margarine samples. Chitosan addition leads to decrease moisture content and increase functional properties. VCO lead to increase in phenolic and flavonoid content of the margarines. Samples were spreadable and palatable with R20 being most palatable and the most accepted being R26 with a mean score of 7.07 ± 0.70. Decrease in color intensity increased acceptability. This study therefore demonstrated that avocado peel waste biomass can be valorized by using it as raw material for oil extraction, which can serve as good material for the production of trans-free margarines with good oxidative stability, functional and antioxidant properties.

Assessing the Occurrence of Heavy Metals in Edible Fruits Grown around Mine Tailings Dam in Kitwe

Mining activities in the Copperbelt province of Zambia have been of great environmental concern, despite recorded improvements in the socio-economic sector. Heavy metal contamination of soils resulting from depositing mine tailings and rock waste has posed possible health risks for communities nearer such facilities. The current study was conducted around residential homes surrounding Kitwe slimes (TD25). This work investigated levels of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb in the soils, and avocado and lemons fruits, growing near TD25. Heavy metals were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The work further assessed the estimated daily intake (EDI) associated with potential health risks to humans. In the soil, concentration levels of heavy metals showed a trend in the order: Fe > Cu > Mn > Co > Pb. Heavy metal contents in avocado and lemon fruits at 200 and 400 m away from TD25, all had p-values < 0.05. The distances from the suspect source (TD25) to where the fruit trees were grown, had no influence on their concentration in the fruit samples. Fruit sample results showed that Fe had the highest EDI of 0.22 mg·kg-1 (avocado) and 0.14 mg·kg-1 (lemon), though both results were far below the FAO/WHO standard range (12.5 - 19.6 mg·kg-1). For both fruits, Co and Pb results were negligible. The concentration of the five heavy metals in avocado and lemon fruits grown around Kitwe slimes did not pose any health risks to the consumers.

Associations between Avocado Intake and Lower Rates of Incident Type 2 Diabetes in US Adults with Hispanic/Latino Ancestry

Background/Purpose: Hispanic/Latinos in the US are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Data suggest that avocado intake is associated with better glycemic control, but whether this translates to protection from T2D has not been studied. The goal of the current analyses was to examine whether consuming avocados at baseline is associated with lower incident T2D over a six-year period, compared to not consuming avocados at baseline. Subjects/Methods: Using data from a large population of US adults with Hispanic ancestry, without known or unknown T2D at baseline (N = 6159), participants were classified as avocado consumers (N = 983) or non-consumers (N = 5176) based on the mean of two 24-hour dietary recalls. Cox proportional hazard models estimated the association of avocado consumption with incident T2D (N = 656 cases) over a six-year follow-up period, in the population as a whole, and separately in those with normoglycemia vs. prediabetes at baseline. A set of three sequential models were run: the first controlling only for sociodemographic factors (“minimally adjusted” models), the second for these and health behaviors (“fully adjusted” models), and a third for both sets of covariates and also body mass index (BMI;“fully adjusted + BMI” models). Results: In the population as a whole, avocado intake at baseline was associated with reduced incident T2D in both the minimally adjusted (hazard ratio [HR] (±95% confidence intervals [CIs]): 0.70 (0.52 - 0.94), P = 0.04) and the fully adjusted models (HR: 0.72 (0.54 - 0.97), P = 0.03). This association was observed in both those with prediabetes and with normoglycemia at baseline, but only reached significance in those with prediabetes (minimally adjusted model: HR: 0.68 (0.48 - 0.97), P = 0.03;fully adjusted model: HR: 0.69 (0.48 - 0.98), P = 0.04), not in those with normoglycemia (minimally adjusted model: HR: 0.86 (0.45 - 1.65), P = 0.65;fully adjusted model: HR: 0.80 (0.41 - 1.55), P = 0.50). In models which additionally controlled for BMI (“fully adjusted + BMI model”), the associations were slightly attenuated (overall population: HR: 0.79 (0.59 - 1.06), P = 0.60;normoglycemia: HR: 0.83 (0.42 - 1.64), P = 0.60;prediabetes: HR = 0.75 (0.54 - 1.05), P = 0.09). Conclusions: In our longitudinal analyses, adults with Hispanic/Latino ancestry who consumed avocado were less likely to develop T2D than those who did not consume avocado at baseline, especially if they had prediabetes at baseline.

Avocado and Chayote-Two Edible and Medicinal Plants

There are two agricultural products originating in Mexico with nutritional,medicinal and cosmetic properties.One is the Avocado,the fruit of a tree that is widely accepted in the Mexican diet due to its pleasant flavor.The other is the Chayote,a green vegetable that grows like a vine,with guides that can exceed up to 6 m in length.These two foods,in addition to being consumed nationally,are also exported,which is why they are of economic importance for Mexico.Avocado is the most exported,after coffee and tomato,with Chayote in fourth place.

Production of carbonaceous material from avocado peel for its application as alternative adsorbent for dyes removal

Adsorption processes have received special attention for contaminants removal thanks to their capability to gen- erate effluents with high quality as well as their simple design. In the current work, the agro-waste residue avo- cado peel is proposed to be used as alternative to conventional activated carbons whose use is sometimes restricted to high costs, upgraded by their exhausting after long term operations. The carbonization procedure was optimized and analyzed through factorial design and response surface methodology by evaluating temper- ature （400-900 ℃） and time （30-90 min） effects： optimal conditions were found at 900℃ and 65 min, gener- ating an adsorbent with 87.52 m2.g 1 of BET surface area, a mesopore volume of 74% and a zero point charge at 8.6. The feasibility of the carbonaceous material was proved for the removal of a variety of dyes by investigating substrate （10-50 mg.L 1） and solid （0.5-20 g.L-1） concentration effects and statistical significance： complete removal of Naphthol Blue Black and Reactive Black 5 was reached under optimal conditions （10 mg.L 1 and 20g.L 1 of dye and solid, respectively）, while Basic Blue 41 was eliminated by using 13.4 g. L- 1 of the adsorbent. Overall, dyes removal by adsorption on carbonized avocado peel is presented as a promising technology due to the low cost and easy availability of the precursor, as well as the straightforward generation, the satisfactory char- acteristics and the proved adsorption capacity of the adsorbent.

Free radical scavenging and anti-proliferative activities of avocado(Persea americana Mill.) seed extract

Objective: To investigate the chemical components and biological activities of avocado seed extract and fractions in order to determine the nutritional and pharmaceutical values of avocado seed. Methods: Various organic solvents were applied for extraction and fractionation of avocado seed. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl, 2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid, and DNA oxidation assays were applied for investigation of free radical scavenging activity. Nitric oxide production was measured by Griess reaction assay. Moreover, MTT assay was used to measure cancer cell growth inhibition. Results: The result indicated that the avocado seed contains(7.14 ± 0.40) g lipid/100 g,(1.67 ± 0.03) g protein/100 g,(54.0 ± 1.2) g carbohydrate/100 g, and(62.0 ± 2.3) mg gallic acid equivalent/g dried weight extract. Moreover, dichloromethane and ethyl acetate were revealed to be the highest free radical scavenging fractions with IC_(50) values of(48.0 ± 3.4) μg/mL(1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl assay) and(22.0 ± 1.8) μg/mL(2,2-azinobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid assay), respectively. Additionally, the avocado seed extract and fractions were able to protect against H_2O_2-induced DNA damage at the concentration of 100 μg/mL. On the other hand, the ethanol extract was effective in reducing nitric oxide production from lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophage cells without cytotoxic effect. Notably, the avocado seed significantly inhibited the proliferation of human lung A549 and human gastric BGC823 cancer cells at the concentration of 200 μg/mL, especially hexane(81 ± 3)% and dichloromethane(75 ± 2)% fractions. Conclusions: The results of the present study supported the avocado seed as potential by-product source for further development of health beneficial products.

First report of Phytopythium vexans causing the“Avocado sadness”in Michoacan,Mexico

Mexico is the main producer,consumer and exporter of avocado in the world,being Michoacan the main producer state contributing more than 80%of the national production.There are phytopathogens that decimate the production causing the death of the tree.Root samples were collected in avocado trees that showed the characteristic symptomatology of the disease known as avocado sadness,the sampling was carried out in four of the main avocado producing towns,in the state of Michoacan,Mexico.The isolation consisted in sowing root tissue in Petri dishes with V8R-PARPH culture medium,subsequently they were identified morphologically and for species level it was determined by molecular biology,with the PCR-ITS technique.Pathogenicity tests were performed in triplicate with avocado seedlings with more than six leaves.After 24 hours,the inoculated plants expressed decay in the apical part,after 120 hours the leaves showed yellowing and after 15 days there was a generalized wilt on the stem and leaves,re-isolating the phytopathogen Phytopythium vexans.This study confirms the first report of the oomycete P.vexans affecting avocado trees in the most important producing region of the Mexican Republic.

Micropropagation of Avocado (<i>Persea Americana</i>Mill.)

Avocado is a high demand, high value tropical fruit recognised for its nutritional value. Being planted as a grafted tree, propagation of avocado refers to propagation of rootstock cultivar, then graft it with bud-wood from a mature scion cultivar. Elite cultivar propagation is critical to maintain the quality of fruit and farm management practices. Avocado propagation through seeds exhibit high genetic variation, hence less appealing for orchard plantings. Rooting of cuttings is only possible through a complex, lengthy and expensive process called “Frolich and Platt method”. This creates limitations on rapid industry expansion due to scarcity and high price of plants in many countries. Alternative propagation methods are sought over 5 decades. Potential of micropropagation has been well demonstrated for wide variety of economically important plants. Commercial application of micropropagation for avocado will undoubtedly boost the industry around the globe. In this review, we present the developments in micropropagation of recalcitrant species, avocado, over the last 45 years. We summarise the culture media composition, hormones, growth conditions for different stages of avocado micropropagation pipeline, elaborating on cultivar specificity for in vitro success, and problems encountered under in vitro conditions and during acclimatisation. Overview of the current knowledge is critical to focus on important aspects in protocol optimisation, to develop an efficient and effective micropropagation system for avocado as well as other woody plant species recalcitrant for micropropagation.

Genetic Transformation Studies on Avocado Cultivar “Hass” (Persea americana)

The use of traditional breeding for improvement of avocado cultivars is time consuming, hence other methods such as genetic transformation by Agrobacterium is indispensable to adopt. The strain GV3850/pBI121gave best transformation outcome compared to five other binary vectors (AGL1/pCGP904;AGL1/pBI121;GV3850/pCGP904;LBA4404/pCG-P904 and LBA4404/pBI121) under different pH and acetosyringone concentrations. The optimal condition for reliable transformation was by using 200 μM acetosyringone and a pH of 5.2. Transformed embryonic shoots co-cultivated with GV3850/pBI121 were tested using the histochemical x-gluc assay. Further analysis was conducted by polymerase chain reaction using specific primers for the reporter gene (GUS).

Detection of Mediterranean Fruit Fly Larvae Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae) in Different Types of Fruit by HS-SPME GC-MS Method

Timely detection of Mediterranean fruit fly (Medfly) is very important so that eradication action can be taken on time. The larvae stage of this insect is the most dangerous stage as it is within the pulp of the fruit, making it hard to detect by visual inspection. In most countries at ports of entry the inspector check a small sample of fruit by visual inspection or by cutting the produce and searching for fungus and pests. This paper will investigate a quick, reliable and sensitive method to determine the presence of fruit flies. Our research focuses on developing the technology for detecting hidden infestations by using the Head Space-Soild Phase Micro Extraction (HS-SPME) method coupled with Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrocopy (GC-MS) technique. Five different types of fruit were infested with an early stage of Medfly Ceratitis capitata Wiedemann (Diptera: Tephidae). We investigated to detect the differences in volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) between infested and non- infested fruits by using HS-SPME with (GC-MS). The results indicated that for few chemicals no significant differences between infested and non-infested fruit can be seen, especially in the fruits with first instar. However, in case of third instar larvae infested fruits significant differences in the chemicals can be seen as compare to non infested fruits and other instar infestations. These chemicals include ethyl (Z)-2 butenoate, 2-heptanone, anisole, β-cis-ocimene, 1,3,7-nonatriene,4,8-dimethy-,ethyl octyate, isoamyl caproate and 1β,4βh,10βh- guaia-5,11-diene, in apple. Ethyl (Z)-2-butenoate, (+)-2-bornanone, (-)-trans- isopiperitenol, methyl caprate, caryophyllene and farnesene in orange. Butanoic acid, 3-methyl-,2-methylbutul acetate, sabinene, β-myrcene, octanoic acid, methyl ester, dihydrocarvone, (-)-trans-isopiperitenol and ethyl laurate in mandarin. Butyl 2-methylbutanoate, terpinen-4-ol, P-menth-8-en-2-one, E-,(3E,7E)-4,8,12-trimethyltrideca-1,3,7,11-tetraene and dodecanoic acid, ethyl ester in lemon. Decane, 3-methyl-, p-menth-1,4(8)-diene, 1-undecene and α-cubebene in avocado. Thus, the VOC’s method could provide a possible tool for detecting tephritid larvae and this method could be adopted by industries importing and exporting fruit.

Analysis of Sesquiterpene Distributions in the Leaves, Branches, and Trunks of Avocado (<i>Persea americana</i>Mill.)

Avocado is a commercially valuable fruit crop cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates throughout the world. Taxonomists recognize three horticultural races of avocado, consisting of Mexican (Persea americana var. drymifolia), Guatemalan (P. americana var. guatemalensis), and West Indian (P. americana var. americana) varieties. Published research that attempted to differentiate among the horticultural races by using leaf chemistry found that sesquiterpene content was only useful for discrimination of pure Mexican from Guatemalan and West Indian, but not to distinguish between Guatemalan and West Indian races. This study presents a sampling method for analysis of sesquiterpenes from avocado leaf, branch and trunk samples. Our results indicate that sesquiterpene content from leaves and small diameter branches (2.5 cm) was highly variable;however, sesquiterpenes were much less variable within wood from larger diameter branches and trunk samples, providing information representative of avocado varietal differences. In addition to chemotaxonomic applications, information on sesquiterpene content of avocado wood is needed for identification of host-based attractants for a new avocado pest, the redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus). This insect vectors a fungal pathogen that causes laurel wilt, a lethal vascular disease that currently threatens avocado production in south Florida, USA. Females of X. glabratus identify appropriate host trees based on emissions of terpenoids, particularly α-copaene. Our results are discussed in terms of how proximo-distal distributions of sesquiterpenes may function as host-location cues by this invasive wood-boring pest.

Study of the Action Mode of Wickerhamomyces anomalus against Colletotrichum gloeosporioides

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides is the causal agent of anthracnose disease in fruits and vegetables, representing a global problem. The use of biocontrol agents has proved effective against fungal diseases in a wide variety of products. In this work, the antifungal activity of Wickerhamomyces anomalus against C. gloeosporioides isolated from contaminated avocados was evaluated. The antagonism and volatile compound inhibition were measured on Petri dishes. In the mixed cultures, the mycelia damage was observed by scanning electron microscope （SEM）. Chitinase and glucanase production by the antagonism was quantified by the reducing sugars method, and biofilm formation was evaluated with 1% crystal violet. The yeast W. anomalus could reduce the growth of C. gloeosporioides up to 65% by direct antagonism and 10% by volatile compounds. The antagonist did not allow the conidia germination and mycelia growth in any of the tested formulations. SEM showed mycelial damage caused by W. anomalus. The antagonist showed adhesion to the mycelium by a polysaccharide biofilm. The presence of mycelium stimulated the hydrolytic enzyme production with the maximal activity of 21.4 U/mg for chitinases at 24 h and 10 U/mg for glucanases at 60 h. These results showed that W. anomalus used together different mechanisms to express its antifungal activity against C. gloeosporioides. This study might be the first report for this phytopathogen isolated from avocado fruits, which could represent an opportunity to establish biocontrol of diseases for this agricultural product.

Recycling of Spent Mushroom Substrate （SMS） in Avocado Orchards

Spent mushroom substrates （SMS） are usually treated as wastes. One of the main beneficial uses of SMS is as soil amendment, after further composting, for horticulture. Avocado orchards in Northern Israel, are grown mainly on heavy clay soils, suffering from poor drainage and limited aeration. This situation can cause yield decrease and lead to tree＇s degeneration. In the present study, two soil cover （mulch） treatments were compared, in an avocado orchard, as means to solve this problem： SMS and cattle manure compost （CMC）. The yields of two avocado varieties were higher on SMS than CMC mulch. Thick growth of avocado roots was found in and under both mulch types. Soil＇s electrical conductivity （EC） values were high under both mulch types, although they later decreased, due to annual rainfall. There are treatments （leaching etc.） that can be used, for minimizing the increase of soil＇s salinity after SMS application. Enhancement of avocado root growth into and under the mulch can lead to improvement of avocado trees growth, especially on heavy un-drained soils. Therefore, SMS recycling is advantageous for both avocado and mushroom growers. The commercial utilization of SMS in avocado orchards should be done carefully, with monitoring its impact on soil＇s EC （salinity） and taking the needed measures to avoid unnecessary damages.

Impact of Climate Change on Species Distribution and Carbon Storage of Agroforestry Trees on Isolated East African Mountains

Changes in climate will affect conditions for species growth and distribution, particularly along elevation gradients, where environmental conditions change abruptly. Agroforestry tree (AGT) species on the densely inhabited slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills will change their elevation distribution, and associated carbon storage. This study assesses the potential impacts of climate change by modelling species distribution using maximum entropy. We focus on important agroforestry tree species (Albiziagummifera, Mangiferaindica and Perseaamericana) and projected climate variables under IPCC-AR5 RCP 4.5 and 8.5 for the mid-century (2055) and late century (2085). Results show differential response: downward migration for M. indica on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro is contrasted with Avocado that will shift upslope on the Taita Hills under RCP 8.5. Perseaamericana will lose suitable habitat on Kilimanjaro whereas M. indica will expand habitat suitability. Potential increase in suitable areas for agroforestry species in Taita Hills will occur except for Albizia and Mango which will potentially decrease in suitable areas under RCP 4.5 for period 2055. Shift in minimum elevation range will affect species suitable areas ultimately influencing AGC on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro and Taita Hills. The AGC for agroforestry species will decrease on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro but AGC for Mango will increase under RCP 8.5 for period 2055 and 2085. In Taita Hills, AGC will remain relatively stable for A. gummifera and P. americana under RCP 8.5 for period 2055 and 2085 but decrease in AGC will occur for M. indica under projected climate change. Climate change will affect AGT species and the amount of carbon stored differently between the sites. Such insight can inform AGT species choice, and conservation and support development by improving carbon sequestration on sites and reliable food production.

Chondrocyte Production of Pro-Inflammatory Chemokine MCP-1 (CCL-2) and Prostaglandin E-2 Is Inhibited by Avocado/Soybean Unsaponifiables, Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate Combination

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic, painful disease affecting articulating joints in man and animals. It is characterized by cartilage breakdown, bone remodeling, osteophyte formation and joint inflammation. Currently used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the management of OA are known to have deleterious side effects. To address the need for alternatives, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effects of a combination of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU), glucosamine (GLU) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) by measuring chemokine MCP-1 (monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, CCL2) and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE2) in stimulated chondrocytes. As the only cellular constituents of cartilage, chondrocytes are the source of pro-inflammatory mediators that play critical roles in the pathogenesis of OA. Chondrocytes were incubated: with: 1) control media, 2) [ASU + GLU + CS] combination, or 3) Phenylbutazone (PBZ) for 24 hours. Cells were next stimulated with IL-1β or LPS for another 24 hrs. MCP-1 and PGE2 from supernatants were quantitated by immunoassay. Another set of chondrocytes seeded in chamber slides were stimulated with IL-1β for 1 hour and then immunostained for NF-κB. Chondrocytes stimulated with IL-1β or LPS significantly increased MCP-1 and PGE2 production which were significantly reduced after treatment with [ASU + GLU + CS]. In contrast, PBZ significantly reduced PGE2 but not MCP-1 production. IL-1β stimulation induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB, which was inhibited by pre-treatment with either [ASU + GLU + CS] or PBZ. The present study provides evidence that the production of MCP-1 by chondrocytes can be inhibited by the combination of [ASU + GLU + CS] but not by PBZ. In contrast, PGE2 production was inhibited by either treatment suggesting that the production of MCP-1 and PGE2 could be independently regulated. The finding of distinct effects of [ASU + GLU + CS] on MCP-1 and PGE2 synthesis supports a scientific rationale for a multimodal treatment approach in the management of OA.

The Bioprocessing Quick Wins from Avocado Fruit in Uganda

Bioprocessing can help redeem the economic value for avocado (Persea americana) in Uganda. This study reviews the virgin potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. Avocado consists of flesh, seed, and peel. The review indicates that the waste seed and peel are vital for development of high-value products. Both the edible part and waste (peel and seed) can be used for biogas production through a solid-state fermentation process. Biodiesel can be developed using avocado seed oil through a process called transesterification. Avocado oil is a better alternative for biodiesel production compared to waste cooking oil as it requires no further conversions processes for transforming fatty acids to esters. The starch-rich avocado seed is a suitable substrate for bioethanol, pigment and starch production. The high starch content places the avocado fruit as a potential: 1) raw material for the production of bioplastics;2) substrate for bacterial culture media production as opposed to potatoes, cereals, and cassava that double as a staple food. Avocado seeds can also be used for the production of antioxidants relevant for preventing enzymatic browning, thereby increasing product shelf life. Despite the quick wins, there is a need for increased research, financing, personnel training and development of appropriate policies to spur the benefits and untapped potential of avocado bioprocessing in Uganda. The circular economy of avocado waste alone into high-value products could increase gains in the environment and stimulate industrial development, especially the cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical industries in Uganda.

Preliminary Studies on Composition, Quality and Oxidative Stability of Commercial Avocado Oil Produced in Chile

Avocado oil is a relatively new oil in the market and is highly appreciated by the consumers because of its fine aroma, pleasant taste and health benefits. A study on the characterization of commercial avocado oils produced in Chile was conducted in order to discuss their quality parameters. The study was applied to two marketed avocado oils. The main analytical parameters evaluated to the oils were： fatty acid composition, total chlorophylls, total carotenoids, tocopherols, acid value, peroxide value, total phenolic compounds, polar compounds, oil stability, UV absorption and 3.5-stigmastadiene content. The fatty acid compositions of the studied oils were according with oil composition of pulp pure of avocado fruit. The analysis of tocopherols by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC） revealed significant differences between the avocado oils studied. Total phenolic compounds, oil stability, UV Absorption characteristics, peroxide value, acid value, tocopherols content, total chlorophylls, total carotenoids and polar compounds were also significantly different between the commercial studied oils. All the above results show a different quality between both commercial avocado oils, showing that the sample C has worse values for the parameters of quality as those required by legislation in many countries. Also, 3.5-stigmastadiene content shows high concentration for one of the commercial avocado oil evaluated which demonstrates the presence of refined oil or that the oil has been submitted to high temperatures. On the other hand it is remarkable that despite the fact that there are many differences in quality parameters, both oils are labeled and marketed as extra virgin quality oils, demonstrating the need to regulate the classification of appreciated oils by the consumers.

Study on the Effect of Avocado on Apoptosis, Oxidative Stress and Injuries Induced by Diethyl Nitrosamine in Rat Liver

Avocado （persea americana） has antioxidant, anti inflammatory, anti obesity, anticancer effects. The effect of AVOE （avocado extract） on liver TNF-a（tumor necrosis factor-a）, COX-2 （cyclooxygenase-2）, LOX （lipoxygenase）, caspase-3, DNAF （DNA fragmentation）, NO （nitric oxide）, MDA （malondialdehyde）, TP （total protein） as well as serum lipid profile and liver functions in rats treated and untreated with DEN （diethyl nitrosamine） was studied. The levels of TNF-α, COX-2, LOX, caspase-3, DNAF, NO, MDA, TP as well as serum lipid profile and liver functions showed an elevation in rats treated with DEN as compared to control. Treatment of rats with AVOE pre, during, and post DEN administration improved TNF-α, COX-2, LOX, caspase-3, DNAF, NO, MDA, TP levels as well as serum lipid profile and liver functions as compared to DEN, indicates that AVOE reduced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis induced by DEN. Treatment of healthy rats with AVOE only for 30 days not induced oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis for normal liver tissues.

Effect of Postharvest Methyl Jasmonate Treatment on Early-Matured “Hass” Avocado Fruit Exocarp Colour Development during Ripening

Poor exocarp colour development is a common postharvest problem for early harvested “Hass” avocado fruit during ripening, which affects fruit quality and consumer preference. Therefore, measures to improve “Hass” avocado fruit colour developments are of great importance in the industry. This study investigated the effectiveness of postharvest methyl jasmonate treatment to improve early matured “Hass” avocado fruit exocarp colour during ripening. The results showed that T1 (10 μmol∙L−1) and T2 (100 μmol∙L−1) MeJA treatment increased visual colour, and decreased objective colour parameters (L*, C* and h˚) during ripening when compared with control fruit. Moreover, MeJA treated “Hass” avocado fruits had lower total chlorophyll content and higher total anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside concentration during ripening. In conclusion, “Hass” avocado fruit post-harvest treated with either T1 (10 μmol∙L−1) or T2 (100 μmol∙L−1) MeJA concentration improved exocarp quality attributes such as colour parameters (L*, C* h˚ and visual colour) and pigments (total anthocyanin and cyanidin-3-O-glucoside) during ripening, therefore, can be recommended for avocado fruit.