Pollination
Avocado trees, like many other plants, require pollination to produce fruit. The majority of avocado varieties require cross pollination, meaning they must receive pollen from a different tree to successfully bear fruit. Despite this need, questions remain as to the necessity of having two avocado trees in order to have productive crops.
Pollination is the process by which plants receive pollen from a different source, usually via a bee or other insect. This is necessary for the production of fruit, of which an avocado is a type of fruit. Avocado trees must also receive pollen from some other type of tree in order to successfully bear fruit.
Pollination can be done by either wind or insects, although the latter method is more efficient and is preferred. Insects, such as bees, are drawn to the flowers of an avocado tree and the pollen is transferred from flower to flower, with enough of the particles sticking to the ovaries for fertilization to occur.
Growth Requirements
Avocado trees need space for proper growth and fruit production. If grown in an area that is overly crowded, the tree may not get enough sunlight or nutrients to thrive, resulting in weak parts of the tree or smaller fruit.
The soil must also be high in organic matter, as this aids in providing necessary nutrition to the trees roots. Additionally, the soil must be well-drained to prevent the roots from getting waterlogged.
Avocado trees are usually propagated by grafting, which means that the best way to ensure that the tree contains the properties of its desired variety is to use a branch from a tree of that variety.
If the tree is growing in full sun, it should get eight to twelve hours of direct sunlight on a regular basis. If the light is too intense, the tree may suffer from sunscald, a condition that causes bark splitting and sunburning, so it is important to choose a location with the right amount of sunshine.
Avocado Varieties
Avocado trees are divided into two main types, Type A and Type B. Type A trees rely on Type B trees for pollination, meaning that growers must have two different avocado varieties in order for successful pollination and ultimately, fruit production.
Type A trees are usually defined as monoecious, meaning they contain both male and female flowers, while Type B trees are usually categorized as dioecious, meaning they contain either male or female flowers. The male flowers contain the pollen while the female flowers contain the ovules that must receive the pollen to become fertilized.
When an avocado tree is labeled as an A or B variety, it reflects the type of flowers present on the tree, and thus, the type of pollinators it needs to bear fruit. It is important to note that it is possible to have a hybrid of the two, known as an AA variety, which does need a mate for pollination but will not necessarily pass on its pollen.
Cross Pollination
Cross pollination is the process by which pollen from one tree is transferred to the flowers on another tree of the same species in order to fertilize the ovules on that tree. This is the most efficient way of ensuring genetic diversity and ultimately, higher yields of fruit.
In the case of avocados, pollination is a crucial part of ensuring fruit production. Due to their wind pollination requirements, it is essential that two varieties, A and B, be grown together for successful pollination. In most cases, varieties of the same species are planted in close proximity, allowing the wind to disperse the pollen over a wide area.
This cross pollination can be carried out by hand, using a hand pollinator, although this is considered a labor-intensive method and may not be practical for large-scale production. For growers looking to maximize their yields, it is essential to have two varieties of avocado trees for successful pollination.
Summary
Avocado trees need pollination to bear fruit, and as a result, must receive pollen from a different source in order to be successful. Usually, this requires two avocado varieties of Type A and Type B to be grown in close proximity so that the pollen particles are dispersed into the air and ultimately, transferred to the female flowers.
For growers looking to obtain a higher yield of fruit, it is important to understand the importance of pollination and the need for two varieties of the same species in order to facilitate cross pollination. Avocado trees require a certain amount of space and well-drained, nutrient rich soil in order to grow and thrive, making them an ideal choice for many fruit-bearing operations.
Companion Planting
In addition to two different avocado varieties for successful pollination, growers may opt to use companion planting, an organic method of cultivating different types of plants together for optimal growth. This includes planting avocado trees near other pollinator-attracting plants such as corn, pumpkins, beans, or tomatoes. When planted together, these plants make an attractive, beneficial system, with the plants aiding each other in their growth and health.
Companion planting also reduces pest populations, since the increased diversity of plants attracts beneficial insects which discourage the presence of harmful species. Additionally, many of these companion plants can provide additional nutrition to the avocado trees in the form of mulches, or shade.
Finally, companion planting reduces soil erosion, since the different types of plants, when grown together, will increase soil fertility and improve the overall health of the soil. With the right combination of companion plants, growers can rest assured that their avocado trees will have the best chance of producing a high yield of healthy fruit.
Seedling Production
Last but not least, avocado trees can be propagated from seed. This can be done by germinating the seed, which involves allowing the inner part of the seed to swell and then harden. Once the seed has hardened, it is ready to be planted and should sprout within 6 to 8 weeks. While seedling production is labour intensive, it is the most cost effective method for growers looking to start their own avocado trees.
Although a single seedling is unlikely to produce fruits, multiple seedlings can be planted in the same area, allowing for greater genetic diversity, higher yields, and more resistance to disease and pests. In addition, seedlings can be propagated quickly and easily, allowing for a larger and more mature crop much sooner than with other propagation methods.
Due to the long period of time necessary between seed germination and harvesting, seedlings are usually reserved for experts and those who have the patience necessary to wait the required period of time. Ultimately, whether to choose seedling production or not is up to the individual grower, and can depend on the needs of the operation and the goals of the grower.
Organic Methods
Organic methods are also available for avocado production. These methods use natural methods of pest and disease control, such as introducing beneficial insects to the area and using natural fertilizer to improve soil fertility. This type of production is recommended for those looking for a more eco-friendly option, as it is free from chemical means of pest and disease control. It is also a cleaner option, as there are no chemical residues to worry about.
Organic production requires careful monitoring, as it typically requires more hands-on maintenance than traditional methods. Additionally, organic methods tend to take longer to produce a viable crop as there is a greater period of time necessary for successful growth. It also requires a greater investment in time and resources as growers must be more hands-on with their crops in order for them to produce a decent yield.
Overall, organic methods can offer a more cost-effective way of producing a high-quality crop, although the required investment in time and resources may be higher than that of traditional methods. Ultimately, the decision as to whether or not to use organic methods lies with the individual grower.
