Introduction to Avocado Tree
Avocados are among the most beloved fruits around the world, and you may have wondered how this tasty crop is pollinated. Avocado trees have a unique pollination process that is observed in nature, which often doesn’t happen without assistance from humans in cultivated orchards. Pollination is a key factor of success in avocado yields and arises the question – how to pollinate avocado tree?
About Flowering in Avocado Trees
Avocado trees bloom primarily during springtime, depending on the variety. The flowers are small and arranged in panicles and racemes, which can contain up to 350 flowers. The female part is made up of 3 stigmas, which are the receptive sites for pollination. The male part is represented by the stamens, which are composed of anthers that contain pollen. The process of pollination occurs during 8 to 12 hours, and after that the male ovule is depleted.
Wind vs. Insects
Roger Collado, an Extension Specialist at the University of Florida, explains that like many other fruit trees, avocado trees have a dichogamous pollination system, which means that the stamens and stigmas are mature at different times. As a result, wind pollination is not possible in avocado trees and natural pollination is done through insects.
The Benefits of Insects
Insects are essential for avocado pollination as they move pollen from stamens to stigmas on different flowers, thus promoting cross signaling and increasing yield. Bees and flies are the most important pollinators in avocado orchards, and they play an essential role in the majority of fruit crops.
How to Pollinate Avocado Tree
If natural pollination is not enough, humans must assist in the process. Depending on the region, growers use pollination bags to collect pollen and transfer it directly to stigmas. During pollination season, the bags must be changed at least 12 times per day, with the time of day varying according to the male and female blooming periods of the tree. Pollinators must also take into account the distance of the pollen’s origin and the target tree, as avocado pollen does not travel beyond 30 feet.
Other Factors for Avocado Yield
Growers should also keep in mind that pollination is just one factor in determining a successful avocado yield. Trees must also get adequate soil, water and sun exposure as well as be fertilized and pruned regularly to stay healthy and promote proper growth. Fungal and insect attacks can also hamper the growth of the trees and reduce their yield, and these must be treated quickly and properly.
The Importance of Environmental Conditions
Environmental conditions also play an important role in the growth of avocado trees. Most trees cannot tolerate extreme temperatures and will suffer if exposed to temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit or over 95 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time. Furthermore, the trees do not tolerate extreme fluctuations in day and night temperatures.
Fruit Retention and Harvesting
Growers should consider the variety of the tree, since some avocados retain more fruits than others. Additionally, they should pay attention to early signs of fruit maturity, such as size and color, as avocado fruits must be harvested when they are mature but still hard.
Conclusion
Pollination is essential for successful avocado yields, and natural pollination processes are largely dependent on insect activity. If necessary, growers should assist in the pollination process, taking into account the variety of the tree, the distance of the pollen’s origin and the influence of environmental conditions. Other factors, such as soil, water, sun exposure, and treating fungal and insect attacks play a pivotal role in the success of avocado crops.
