Mr. Calvin Green, director of China Bridge Limited (a New Zealand registered Company based in Whangarei, Northland), paid a visit to XTBG during May 4-5. His visit was accompanied by Mr. Wade Stephen from New Zealand and Prof. Yang Wenliang from Yunnan Agricultural University.

The aim of the visit was investigating the introduction and cultivation of avocado or alligator pear (Persea americana ) at XTBG.

Prof. Dr. Hu Huabin, assistant director of XTBG, met the guests and introduced the history of cultivation of Persea americana at XTBG.

The guests offered instructions on cultivation technologies, pest control, and rejuvenation of old trees of Persea americana.

The avocado, unflatteringly known in the past as alligator pear, midshipman's butter, vegetable butter, or sometimes as butter pear, is the only important edible fruit of the laurel family, Lauraceae.