Fresh Science

Dr Louisa Parkinson – Research Officer, Centre for Horticultural Science, University of Queensland

Smashing avocados diseases with rapid tests

A new rapid field test can detect fungal disease called black root rot in avocado tree roots, meaning growers can take a quick response to the disease and reduce their production losses.

Black root rot causes death of new avocado trees within one year of planting in the orchard and has the capacity to wipe out entire orchard blocks of new seedlings.

“Our field test detects fungal DNA in avocados and is being used by the Australian avocado industry, saving them thousands of dollars each year,” says Dr Louisa Parkinson.

Written by Louisa Parkinson and edited by Econnect Communication.