Causes and management of Avocado ridging, netting and stretch marking (AV24004)

Project start date: 3/06/2025 

Project completion date: 13/10/2026 

Summary:  

This project aims to improve the quality, marketability, and profitability of Australian avocados by investigating the causes of key skin defects such as ridging, netting, and stretch marking. By defining and classifying these defects, and exploring their physiological and environmental drivers, the project will identify knowledge gaps and prioritise future research to support effective management. It will draw on stakeholder consultation, AI-assisted literature reviews, and expert input to synthesise current evidence across growing regions and related horticultural crops. 

The project will deliver practical outcomes including increased industry awareness, a prioritised research roadmap, and enhanced technical capacity in avocado physiology and entomology. Where causes are well understood, immediate management practices may be recommended, while further trials will support broader adoption of evidence-based solutions. Findings will be shared through established industry channels to ensure growers can make informed decisions that enhance fruit quality and boost returns.