Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 5.4
Avocado fruit
Table 5.5
Comparison of some selected traits of the three horticultural races of avocado. (Modified
from Lahav and Lavi
2002
)
Trait
Mexican
Guatemalan
West Indian
Native region
Mexican highlands
Guatemalan highlands
Tropical lowlands
Climate
Subtropical
Subtropical
Tropical
Cold tolerance
High
Intermediate
Low
Salt tolerance
Low
Intermediate
High
Leaf anise scent
Present
Absent
Absent
Flowering season
Early
Late
Early-intermediate
Time from bloom to maturity
5-7 months
10-18 months
6-8 months
Fruit size
Small-medium
Small-large
Medium-very large
Oil content in fruit
Very high
High
Low
Skin thickness
Thin
Thick
Medium
require adapted rootstocks (Wolstenholme
2002
). Due to the susceptibility of most
avocado genotypes to soil root rots, such as those caused by
Phythophthora cin-
namomi
or
Rossellinia necatrix
, good drainage with a low water table is essential.
Although avocado is sensitive to soil salinity conditions, the West Indian genotypes
show higher salt tolerance. Salinity problems are more common in semi-arid or
arid regions due to the lack of leaching rain (Wolstenholme
2002
). Since avocado
is originated in areas where soils are usually rich in organic litter, mulching with
organic substances is a recommended practice to improve overall tree health and
performance (Whiley
2002
).
Climatic Requirements
The climatic requirements of avocado reflect the conditions present in the areas of
origin of the species in Central America. Avocado has a shallow root system and,
consequently, prolonged dry periods can seriously affect flowering and production.
A moderate rainfall between 1,250 and 1,750 mm is desirable and, in most avocado
growing regions, irrigation is needed during the dry periods.
