Let’s grow: Avocados
Background
Avocado production in South Africa has traditionally been concentrated in the warm subtropical areas of the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces. However, production has expanded to KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern and Western Cape provinces due to growing demand and to produce year round.
The South African Avocado season extends from February to November with the majority of fruit being harvested from March to September. Due to climatic variability between growing regions, most of the major cultivars are available over an extended period during the season.
The avocado industry in South Africa continues to expand steadily. Since 2009, total plantings have increased due to a growing consumer demand for avocados. The 2020 avocado tree census indicated that the area under commercial avocado orchards stood at around 14,700 ha with new plantings amounting to approximately 800 ha per annum.
High summer rainfall (> 1000 mm p.a. in most areas), and warm temperatures contribute to the incidence of root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi. This disease is effectively controlled through phosphorous acid trunk injections integrated with practices that promote root health, such as the addition of compost, mulch and micro-organisms.
Although the South African industry is export orientated, the South African market also plays a significant role with demand having grown considerably over the past few years.
Summarized from SAAGA Industry Overview, (South African Avocado Growers Association),
Part 2: Andermatt Madumbi and avocado production
As with all crop production, consumers are driving the change to healthy, sustainable crop production. Growers are under pressure to comply with certification, ensuring standards and demands are being met.
Andermatt Madumbi offers a comprehensive range of biorational solutions to support avocado growers. A healthy root system is the foundation of a healthy plant, healthy plants are more resilient to environmental stress factors and better equipped to fight off pests and diseases.
Incorporating biofungicides and bioinsecticides into IPM (Integrated Pest Management) programs offers many benefits:
- Effective, safe pest/disease control which can be alternated with chemical applications.
- Safeguard resistance management.
- Pest/disease control that is safe to use right up until harvesting.
- Safe for use in areas where beneficial insects have been introduced.
- Strong, healthy plants produce high quality crops with enhanced shelf-life.
Root Health
Soil and root health are essential for the production of healthy food. The resulting plants are stronger, exhibiting increased pest and disease resistance.
The Andermatt Madumbi Root Health program combines beneficial microbes with nutritional support. These 4 products are applied in combination at planting to enhance root growth ensuring your plants have the best possible start.
Andermatt Madumbi products to support root health in avocados:
Plant Vitality
Andermatt Madumbi products to support plant vitality in avocados:
Andermatt Madumbi’s V12 range provides tailored nutrient support based on the 12 essential components of plant vitality, ie. the engine that drives plant growth.
V12 Range
Andermatt Madumbi’s V12 range provides tailored nutrient support based on the 12 essential components of plant vitality, ie. the engine that drives plant growth.
Bio Crop Protection
Our Bio Crop Protection Range consists of disease and pest management solutions with active ingredients that include fungi, bacteria, baculoviruses and plant extracts.
The following Andermatt Madumbi Bio Crop Protection solutions are registered for use on avocados: