The avocado farming business in Kenya continues to attract more investors, with the global market outlook in this year being the greatest encouragement.
The avocado tree requires cool to warm temperatures, with the minimum not falling
below 7°C and a maximum of 30°C (the optimum range is 15°C to 25°C). This climate is experienced in many areas that have traditionally not been growing avocado. But now with the opening up of the Hass avocado market, even these areas have taken on avocado farming for export. Only extremely high areas could be left out since the trees are not tolerant to frost, especially those adapted to humid tropics. The
sensitivity of trees to low temperature is influenced by a wide range of
factors including:
- The age of the tree, its vigour, its growth stage and its health.
- The duration and frequency of low temperature, and the speed with which they fall to near or below zero.
Temperatures that are constantly above 36°C also have disastrous
effects.
Amount of rainfall required for avocado farming in Kenya
Irrigation is essential where rainfall is not adequate. Although an
avocado tree cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, it needs at least 25mm of water every
week during periods of insufficient rainfall such as in eastern Kenya.
Too much rain during flowering leads to shedding of flowers resulting in
significant reduction in production. Fungal diseases also normally become
problematic in very wet weather.
A short period of dry weather of up to two months usually triggers
flowering especially in tropical climates not subject to marked falls in
temperature.
The avocado tree needs high relative humidity at flowering (70-80 per
cent), then moderate levels during the fruit swelling stage. Too much humidity
encourages the proliferation of pests and diseases such as thrips, scales, cercospora spot, scab and anthracnose.
WIND
The avocado is sensitive to strong winds, which may lead to breakage of
branches or flowers and fruits drop. Whole trees may even be uprooted. Hot dry
winds may cause desiccation of flower buds or abrasions.
LIGHT
Avocado needs plenty of light, 2,000 hours of sunshine a year (average of 6 hours a day) are sufficient. Intense radiation causes scorching of leaves and fruits.
Avocado needs plenty of light, 2,000 hours of sunshine a year (average of 6 hours a day) are sufficient. Intense radiation causes scorching of leaves and fruits.
SOIL
An avocado tree can grow successfully in a variety of soil types and in soil with acidic or alkaline pH levels, but the tree requires soil that has good drainage. Avocados are more sensitive to water-logging than citrus hence soils should be well-drained. Poorly drained soils are associated with the presence of the Phytophthora fungi, which causes root or stem end rot.
An avocado tree can grow successfully in a variety of soil types and in soil with acidic or alkaline pH levels, but the tree requires soil that has good drainage. Avocados are more sensitive to water-logging than citrus hence soils should be well-drained. Poorly drained soils are associated with the presence of the Phytophthora fungi, which causes root or stem end rot.
Suitable soils are medium sandy loams with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
POLLINATION
An avocado tree needs to cross-pollinate with another variety for optimal fruit set. Although avocado flowers have both male and female flower parts, each part functions at a different time during the day.
An avocado tree needs to cross-pollinate with another variety for optimal fruit set. Although avocado flowers have both male and female flower parts, each part functions at a different time during the day.
The trees are grouped into Type A and Type B, depending on the time of
day their male and female flower parts are reproductively viable. Planting Type
A tree and Type B tree increases successful pollination if enough insect
pollinators, such as bees, are present.
FERTILIZERS
To obtain good growth and high fruit yields, it is important to supply the necessary nutrients. Several factors should be taken into account when deciding on fertiliser rates.
To obtain good growth and high fruit yields, it is important to supply the necessary nutrients. Several factors should be taken into account when deciding on fertiliser rates.
The existing fertility of the soil should be determined. The age of the
trees, fruit yields, the physical and chemical characteristics as a function of
climate, determine nutrient losses through leaching, which affects uptake by the trees.
It is advisable not to top-dress with nitrogen in the first four to five
months after transplanting. After this period, 60g of 26 per cent of Nitrate
(N) fertiliser should be applied every three months when the soil is moist. About 15 to 30kg of well-rotten farm yard manure
(FYM) should also be spread around the tree
The use of FYM is strongly recommended for young orchards since it
improves physical characteristics of the soil and supplies nutrients to trees,
promoting the uptake of micro-nutrients.
DISEASES
Avocado root rot is the most serious disease that affects the crop. The disease, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, thrives in poor drainage conditions.
Avocado root rot is the most serious disease that affects the crop. The disease, which is caused by the fungal pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi, thrives in poor drainage conditions.
Pale and wilted leaves, branch die-back and small fruits are the
consequences. It has been suggested that applying a layer of gypsum and a 10 to
15cm layer of an organic, coarse mulch underneath the avocado tree’s canopy, but several centimetres from the tree’s
trunk, supplies calcium and suppresses the development of root rot.
Anthracnose, caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum gloeosporioides,
infects an avocado tree’s fruit, flowers, small branches and foliage, leaving
spots, lesions and decay.
This disease thrives in areas of high humidity. Pruning limbs to at
least 2 feet off the ground increases air circulation at the base of the tree
and removing debris from underneath the tree prevents pathogens.
Frequently asked questions
Can Hass and Fuerte varieties of avocado be grown in the same climatic
conditions?
Yes, they thrive well in the same environmental conditions.
In Eastern Kenya, avocadoes do well in certain pockets such as
Kang’undo, Mua Hills, Kathiani (Iveti hills), parts of Mbooni, all in Machakos
County, and the high potential areas of the larger Embu and Meru counties. These are areas where coffee is grown successfully without irrigation.
Article By Dr Wolukau, lecturer at Egerton University.
For those starting out and those who would like to improve their productivity, we have compiled this comprehensive guide for avocado farming in Kenya and put it in PDF. You can now request for it from our Resources Page.
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