Mexican Scientists Map Avocado Genome

Date:06-25-2013

Scientists from Mexico's National Laboratory of Genomics for Biodiversity (Langebio) have completed the genome sequencing for a native paper-skin avocado. The sequencing project aims to help breed new avocados with longer shelf life and increased disease resistance.

Langebio researcher Luis Estrella said that their team is also assisting in breeding avocados that do not grow as tall and will not need as much water. He said, "We are finding some very interesting things in that proteins are involved in the avocado flesh being able to accumulate oil."