What is an Avocado
Avocado is a healthy fruit with a plethora of essential nutrients and vitamins. It has a velvety texture and is full of flavors. This vibrant green fruit is composed of approximately 80% water and the remaining 20% holds all the necessary vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Avocado provides people with a feeling of satiety and filling that helps reduce appetite and consumption of fats. It is known to provide amazing health benefits such as decreasing bad cholesterol levels and reducing risk of heart diseases. Avocado pulp also encourages regenerative growth in hair, teeth and nails and keeps them strong and healthy.
How Many Avocados Grow on One Tree?
Avocado trees generally bear fruit for about 20 years in a lifetime. During their lifetime, one avocado tree can grow up to 500 avocados in a single season when the climatic conditions are perfectly suitable. The bearing season usually runs from the month of June to October in Australia and July to September in New Zealand. Additionally, the rate of bearing significantly depends on the age and size of the tree, water and nutrient availability, species and variety as well as gardening practices.
Impact of Climate on Avocado Production
Avocado trees prefer a relatively tropical climate with moderate cold and humid weather conditions. An extreme change in temperature can cause serious damage to the tree and render it unable to bear fruit. Avocado trees are also very picky about light and require sufficient urban lighting and direct sunlight to produce ample amounts of fruits.
Commercial Production and Uses of Avocado
Avocado is a popular commercial fruit that is used in plurality of dishes. Most of the commercial production of avocado comes from USA, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. In terms of the uses, avocados are broadly used for medicinal and culinary, beauty and skin care, animal feed and biofuel production.
Economic Importance of Avocados
Avocado is a fantastic crop for earning valuable foreign currency. It is mostly exported to the countries in Europe, North America and Asia as it is not only in high demand for its health benefits but also for its culinary applications. Avocado Industry has gained immense recognition in the past two decades due to the improved and increased production methods.
Effect of Global Market
The growing global demand and export of avocados have not only fulfilled the needs and demands of the people but have also caused dramatic impacts on the global market. For example, the high demand for avocados in the US, Europe, and Canada have led to a decrease in the African countries’ share in the global market. Additionally, with the increase in demand for avocados, the prices for these fruits have also drastically increased.
Environmental Impact of Avocado Production
Production of avocados has caused a negative influence on the environment. Firstly, avocado crops require more water than traditional crops like beans and other vegetables. Also, the chemicals used in plantations have caused severe toxicities in water resources. Moreover, overproduction and overuse of avocados have led to deforestation and soil erosion.
Avocado Farming Tips
Avocado farming requires skill and knowledge. To grow avocados, one needs to choose the appropriate variety and cultivate it in perfect conditions. It is also necessary to prepare the land before planting, feed the tree and water it regularly. Furthermore, careful pruning and trimming of the tree helps improve fruit production. The harvest season generally runs from June to October.
Tree Growth and Nutrition
Avocado trees need adequate nutrition for better growth and fruit production. The age and size of the tree, water and nutrient availability play a crucial role in fruit production. Avocado trees need fertilizers in form of supplements with nitrogen to encourage better growth, phosphorus to promote flowering and potassium to improve root development. Fertilizers should be used before the bearing season for better results.
Harvest and Postharvest Management
Although these trees can resist extreme cold and shade, they require protection against strong winds, strong sunlight and rainfall. Avocado harvest includes methods like harvesting using machines, application of chemical thinners to increase the avocado yield, sorting and grading of avocados and postharvest treatments such as ripening and cooling. Avocadoes should be cooled soon after harvesting and placed in boxes to prevent bruising and discoloration.
Packaging and Storage
Packaging is an essential part of avocado production. Avocadoes are packed in boxes, bags or crates and sent to the markets for sale. These packages should help protect and store the avocadoes in perfect conditions. Finally, avocados should be stored in a temperature ranging from five to eight degrees with a relative humidity of 90%. High humidity will help prevent water loss and preserve the quality of the avocados.
Conclusion
Avocados are grown in many countries around the world and are available in abundance. The number of avocados a single tree can produce depends on the climatic and environmental conditions, as well as the age and size of the tree. Avocado production also entails many additional practices like harvesting, packaging, storage and tree nutrition. Proper management and practices can help unlock the full potential of a single tree and maximize the yield.
