# The Migration of Avocados: A 5,000-Year-Old Agricultural Legacy The journey of avocados across the Americas and the importance of genetic diversity. - **Source:** [Popular Science](https://brifing.si/source/cc3d313a-759c-4802-b881-fc8585f35ef9) - **Published:** 2026-07-22 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/16c96a1c-5d35-4d06-b9eb-f687f5263eb3 ## The Migration of Avocados Around 5,000 years ago, migrants from South America carried avocado seeds to the humid lowlands of Central America. There, they hybridized with local varieties, creating a wide diversity still enjoyed in the region today. ## Genetic Differences Nicaraguan avocados are genetically distinct from the commercial varieties found in stores. This difference was detailed in a study by Kevin Wann from the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. ## Hass Avocados Over 80% of avocados produced worldwide are of the Hass variety. These avocados are cloned, lacking genetic diversity, which makes them vulnerable to diseases. ## The Role of Traditional Agriculture Traditional farming practices in Nicaragua and Honduras have shaped local avocado varieties for thousands of years. These varieties are more resilient and better adapted to local conditions than commercial ones. ## The Research Process Researchers collected avocado leaf samples from Mexico, Nicaragua, and Honduras. During this process, Kevin Wann faced challenges like food poisoning and a wasp sting but also experienced his first taste of avocado. ## Genetic Data and Migration DNA analysis revealed that avocados in Central America were brought from South America. This migration occurred around 4,000-5,000 years ago, coinciding with the introduction of other South American crops to Central America. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.popsci.com/science/humans-avocados-migrate-americas/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._