Uncovering phytochemicals quantitative evolution in avocado fruit mesocarp during ripening: A targeted LC-MS metabolic exploration of Hass, Fuerte and Bacon varieties

Avocado ripening entails intricate physicochemical transformations resulting in desirable characteristics for consumption; however, its impact on specific metabolites and its cultivar dependence remains largely unexplored. This study employed LC-MS to quantitatively monitor 30 avocado pulp metabolites, including phenolic compounds, amino acids, nucleosides, vitamins, phytohormones, and related compounds, from unripe to overripe stages, in three commercial varieties (Hass, Fuerte, and Bacon). Multivariate statistical analysis revealed significant metabolic variations between cultivars, leading to the identification of potential varietal markers. Most monitored metabolites exhibited dynamic quantitative changes. Although phenolic compounds generally increased during ripening, exceptions such as epicatechin and chlorogenic acid were noted. Amino acids and derivatives displayed a highly cultivar-dependent evolution, with Fuerte demonstrating the highest concentrations and most pronounced fluctuations. In contrast to penstemide, uridine and abscisic acid levels consistently increased during ripening. Several compounds characteristic of the Bacon variety were delineated but require further research for identification and role elucidation.

Fil: Serrano García, Irene. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España

Fil: Saavedra Morillas, Carlos. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España

Fil: Gemma Beiro Valenzuela, María. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España

Fil: Monasterio, Romina Paula. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza. Universidad Nacional de Cuyo. Facultad de Ciencias Agrarias. Instituto de Biología Agrícola de Mendoza; Argentina

Fil: Hurtado Fernández, Elena. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España

Fil: González Fernández, José Jorge. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España

Fil: Hormaza, José Ignacio. Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas; España

Fil: Pedreschi, Romina. Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso; Chile

Fil: Olmo-García, Lucía. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España

Fil: Carrasco Pancorbo, Alegría. Universidad de Granada. Facultad de Ciencias; España