What was feared by many Chilean avocado growers has become a reality after sunblotch was found in a avocados sold at a supermarket in the capital Santiago.

In July, the Santiago Court of Appeals rejected a request by indigenous communities and growers associations to overturn the decision to allow Peruvian avocados into the country, based around worries the viroid could upset local production.

The detection was made official after lab tests from the Universidad de Chile came up positive.

Two lots of avocados were analyzed by experts, who found three avocados out of a sample of 24 were contaminated with the virus.

Chilean Hass Avocado Committee president Gonzalo Bulnes told www.freshfruitportal.com a contagion of the virus would "destroy the national industry".

He said the industry made sure the fruit concerned was definitely Peruvian and that the results were signed by a notary.

"We did it in a way to forestall the doubts and suspicions of people. We did it this way absolutely so that no one could say otherwise," Bulnes said.

The industry leader said he was worried about the efforts made by Chilean authorities to protect the country's avocado crops.

"For me there is still uncertainty with respect to the work of the Agriculture and Livestock Service (SAG)," he said.

"My assessment is that this is slowly destroying the Chilean industry through the actions and omissions of the State."

He said the 'omissions' referred to the lack of sufficient dams and irrigation systems to supply avocado farms, which have been hit by drought in recent years.

"Additionally, we are entering another year which is much more serious than previousy ears because of the drought and nothing has been done.

"We have stayed with conversations and applause, but nothing definitive happens. There you see a tremendous omission from the State regarding this industry.

"There are actions like those from SAG that allowed Peruvian avocados to enter without placing the corresponding restrictions, and that also will end up destroying the Chilean avocado industry."

Bulnes added this not only affected growers, but would impact consumers in the future.

"When people who have been accustomed and who like to eat avocado in Chile, to have to pay CLP4,000 (US$6.93) per kilo (2.2 pounds) of avocados, I hope they don't put the blame on the producers."

He mentioned the recent results would be added to legal appeals currently in process, and hoped the tribunals would take stock of this fact to reverse the recent decision.

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