Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 7.7. In fl uence of avocado red mites ( Oligonychus yothersi McGregor) on leaf
transpiration, photosynthesis and damage (redrawn from Schaffer et al. , 1986).
in preventing annual broadleaved weeds but not ef ective against perennial
grasses and nut-sedges (Nishimoto and Yee, 1980). In bearing orchards, the
canopy provides enough shade to prevent weed growth. Inter-rows up to
the periphery of the trees may be mowed or controlled with herbicides. Disc
harrowing of avocado orchards is discouraged, as the shallow feeder roots will
be damaged.
HARVESTING AND POSTHARVEST HANDLING
Harvesting and handling
The stage of fruit maturity when harvested can signifi cantly infl uence the
occurrence of biennial bearing in some avocado (Whiley et al. , 1992). In
the tropics, later harvesting of 'Fuerte' fruit having 30% dry matter results
in pronounced biennial cropping. Results for a cool subtropical location in
South Africa suggest no ef ect of later harvesting on subsequent yield (Kaiser
and Wolstenholme, 1994). Some cultivars can be stored on the tree and
harvested according to marketing schedules. The length of time fruit can be
 
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