How do you pollinate an avocado tree?
Avocado trees produce a delightful fruit that is renowned for its rich flavor and health benefits. In order for the tree to produce fruit, the flowers must be pollinated. For those who have an avocado tree or are thinking about planting one, learning about pollination is key to getting the most out of your orchard.
Avocado trees typically bloom at night, making it difficult for bees to do the job. Instead, there are other methods of pollination to ensure a healthy harvest.
Manual Pollination
The most common method of pollination is various manual techniques which can be completed by the homeowner or someone else responsible for the harvesting of the fruit.
When the trees begin to bloom in the spring, the flowers should be inspected right away. If not pollinated, a small brush or cotton swab is used to carefully “brush” pollen from one flower to the other When done properly, this will ensure that the trees will produce abundant fruits.
The process will have to be repeated consistently and should be done anytime that the blossoms on the trees open. It can be a timely and labor-intensive process, but with the right type of avocado varieties and proper technique, the manual pollination methods can be quite successful.
Wind Pollination
For those lucky few with avocado varieties that produce self-pollinating flowers, wind can serve as the pollinator. This is particularly useful for those with a larger orchard as the trees will be loosely clustered.
Wind can be quite effective in naturally carrying the pollens from one flower to the next, but the process should still be observed carefully to ensure a healthy harvest. As the pollens are fragile, there should be plenty of shade and shelter to protect it from the harsh ultraviolet rays of the sun.
Insect Pollination
Aside from manual and wind pollination, there are also insects that can do the job. If done properly, insects can do a very efficient job of transporting the pollen from one flower to the next.
One of the better known insects is the Pampanillo which is a type of beetle that is native to South America. Husk flies are also effective when it comes to pollination.
Both the Husk Fly and Pampanillo are attracted to avocado trees and can be released either weekly or monthly during the pollination season. While these insects may not always be successful in producing a healthy harvest, they can be quite effective when managed properly.
Fruit Bagging
Pollination can also be done by “bagging” the fruit. This is done by covering the flowers when they are in bloom in order to trap the pollens inside. The bags should be able to let the air in but prevent the pollens from escaping.
The bagging technique works especially well for those who have unisex or “A” and “B” type varieties of avocado trees. Baggers are also more effective if they are setup in positions that catch the wind and thus, increase opportunities for cross-pollination.
Conclusion
Pollination is an important process in the successful production of avocado fruits. Depending on the variety, pollination can be done manually, with wind, insects or by bagging the fruit. All of these methods come with their own challenges and benefits but an understanding of the process is essential for successful pollination.
