Highlights:
- University of Florida scientists proved their cold‑hardy avocado lines can survive the January 2026 freeze, enduring temperatures as low as 17 degrees, which is far colder than commercial varieties like Hass can tolerate.
- Cold‑tolerant varieties could open avocado production much farther north, offering Florida growers new opportunities as western states face growing water and cost constraints.
- New breeding lines are delivering larger, higher‑oil, disease‑resistant avocados, with ongoing work focused on improving peel durability and achieving the consumer‑preferred darkening peel.
Think you can’t grow avocados in the chilly winters of North Florida? Think again.
The significant cold snap of January 2026, which sent temperatures plunging across the Sunshine State, has become the optimal testing grounds for University of Florida scientists developing new cold-hardy avocados at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
The chill underscored just how valuable this research is and demonstrated that several UF/IFAS-bred avocado types can withstand temperatures that would normally wipe out commercial varieties.
For more on this research, please visit UF NEWS.
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodiguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.
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