Structure and Development of Surface Deformations on Avocado Fruits

Abstract

Avocado ( Persea americana Mill., cv. Simmonds) flowers and fruitlets were histologically examined to characterize the development of disfiguring bumps and ridges, as well as to investigate possible causes of the disorder. The outer cell layers of the ovary are damaged by a small, surface-feeding insect during and soon after anthesis. Bumps and ridges form as a result of cell proliferation in the pericarp directly beneath the wounds. Circumstantial evidence suggests that two species of flower thrips ( Frankliniella ) are the possible causal agents.