| Abstract | Avocado (Persea americana Mill.) is a tropical fruit that has gained immense popularity
worldwide due to its unique flavor, nutritional value, and numerous health benefits. The growth and
maturation of avocados are influenced by various environmental and climatic factors. Temperature is
one of the most critical factors, as it plays a significant role in various physiological processes of this
fruit. This study aimed to investigate the effect of air temperature on avocado development and assess
the harvest maturity period (determined by the dry matter content) of Fuerte, Zutano, and Hass,
the most common avocado varieties, grown inWestern Crete, Greece. Fruit samples collected from
avocado orchards in five regions of Western Crete were subjected to dry matter analysis during the
ripening period for the years 2017 to 2022. Maturation time is determined based on the EU regulation
for dry matter concentration. The results of this study revealed that dry matter concentration can be
affected by both very high summer temperatures and low temperatures during the ripening period.
Specifically, high temperatures during the summer months can have a significant impact on avocado
development and result in a reduced dry matter concentration. On the other hand, low temperatures
during the maturation stage can slow down enzymatic activity and metabolic processes, resulting
in delayed ripening and a prolonged time to reach optimal maturity. This delay in maturation and
reduced dry matter concentration can significantly affect the harvest timing, as growers may need
to wait for the avocados to develop the desired characteristics before they can be harvested. Our
findings are the first data on avocado maturation (dry matter concentration) in relation to temperature
and provide valuable insights into harvest maturity period of avocado cultivation in Crete and other
regions with similar Mediterranean climatic conditions. |
