Researchers say the wild varieties could help protect commercial avocados from disease while supporting more diverse, nutritious crops. The findings also reveal ancient human migration shaped avocado diversity more than 5,000 years ago.


Researchers analysed DNA from 47 native avocado landraces, including 32 from Nicaragua, and found many are naturally resistant to root rot and adapted to warmer, wetter climates. Scientists believe preserving this genetic diversity could safeguard the global avocado industry, which relies heavily on the single Hass variety grown worldwide.