Abstract

Controlled atmosphere storage is a key postharvest technology for extending the commercial life of Hassavocado (Persea americana Mill.) during long distance transport. However, color-firmness desynchronization, where the mesocarp softens before the exocarp develops its characteristic black color, remains a major challenge. This study evaluated the combined effects of harvest maturity (middle and late) and storage conditions (regular air, RA; controlled atmosphere, CA) on exocarp color-mesocarp firmness synchronization in Hass avocado. Integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses were performed on exocarp tissues collected after 30 days of storage and at the ready-to-eat (RTE) stage. Integrative multi-omics (DIABLO sPLS-DA) identified early candidate biomarkers of storage response, including WRKY22, INT2, SnRK2.10, and arabitol (CA markers), and TT7/CYP75B1, SUS4, myo-inositol, and sucrose (RA markers). At the RTE stage, SLP2, BOB1, and SULTR3;1 correlated with black coloration, whereas MAPKKK21, RPL24A, and IAA13 were associated with green phenotypes. Overall, CA storage maintained cellular homeostasis and promoted anthocyanin biosynthesis, leading to improved exocarp color-mesocarp firmness synchronization. These findings provide molecular and metabolic insights into the mechanisms underlying ripening uniformity in Hassavocado and propose potential biomarkers for early postharvest prediction of the disorder.