RIVERSIDE, Calif. (RFD News) — New research into a genetic switch tied to flowering patterns could help avocado breeders shave years off the process of developing new varieties.
Dr. Eric Focht with UC Riverside said fruit quality remains the priority, but the right flowering type could help speed up the release of a new variety.
“What we have focused on here at UCR, creating new varieties, fruit quality obviously is primary. If it doesn’t taste good, then what’s the point? Another factor that could hasten the release of a variety would be if it was a bee flower type and a good eating quality, because that means you could plant that in a farmer’s has field. If that bee flower type has a good market too, then you can get 100% of your acreage having reasonable value being worth harvesting.”
Focht told AgInfo.net the discovery could pave the way for stronger avocado production.
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