ULL Patents Genetic Test for Salt-Resistant Avocados

Researchers at the University of La Laguna (ULL) have created a new genetic test to identify 'Antillean' avocado varieties. These avocados are known for being resistant to salty irrigation water. This test gives plant nurseries a valuable way to confirm their plants are the correct type.

This new method, which has been featured in two international scientific papers, is currently being reviewed by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office for a patent.

The goal of this invention is to solve a major problem for avocado growers in places like the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean. Often, avocado varieties are misidentified, which causes financial losses, especially when the water quality is poor, as explained by the ULL.

This new biotechnology can identify 'Antillean' avocado rootstocks. These rootstocks are crucial for avocados to survive in very salty conditions.

This breakthrough comes from research that started in 2022. It has not only produced important scientific findings but also led to a patent application, which has been published by the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM).

The team behind this technology was led by Dr. José A. Pérez Pérez and Dr. Mario A. González Carracedo, both from the university's Genetics department.

In 2022, the team published their first study in the journal 'Agronomy'. This research used 'jumping genes' (also known as retrotransposons) to understand the complex genetics of avocados and create new genetic markers.

Seeing the commercial potential of their discovery, the University of La Laguna applied for a patent. It's called 'Method, primers, and kit for identifying specific genomic regions of horticultural avocado race'.

The official publication of this patent application is a significant step, protecting the technology and paving the way for it to be used commercially in the future.

A second study, published in 2025 in the 'International Journal of Molecular Sciences', showed that these genetic markers are extremely accurate at finding the 'Antillean' race and can even spot potential hybrids. This greatly improves how rootstocks are classified in commercial nurseries.

As the ULL points out, growing more avocados faces a big problem: salty water and soil.

The researchers explained that, "Until now, farmers bought plants believing they were salt-resistant, based only on how they looked. This visual check often wasn't accurate."

They added that this new technology, which is currently being protected, "provides a molecular analysis tool that removes this uncertainty. It significantly cuts down the time farmers have to wait to know if their investment was a good one."

This patented invention allows for genetic certification of the 'Antillean' genetic makeup. It gives nurseries a way to confirm that their rootstocks are truly 'Antillean' or if they are mixed with other types, like the 'Mexican' and 'Guatemalan' races, which are usually less resistant to salt.

Unlike other expensive genetic methods, this kit, which is awaiting a patent, uses a much simpler technique called standard PCR. This means it can be used in any basic quality control lab.

With the patent application published and the scientific findings confirmed, this research is a leader in agricultural innovation. It offers unique tools to protect a crop that is crucial for the economy of the islands.

The method was tested and proven effective using various avocado varieties provided by researchers from ICIA-CSIC and Agro-Rincón S.L. Funding came from the Government of the Canary Islands, with additional support from the University of La Laguna's Knowledge Transfer Office.