Biology of An Avocado Tree
Avocado trees look graceful and their fruits are full of benefits, making them popular among gardeners. But like any other tree, avocados are vulnerable to damages caused by different factors. It is important to take a closer look at the life cycle of an avocado tree to identify what can ultimately kill it.
Avocado trees show a lush appearance as they mature, and can live up to hundreds of years. Under ideal conditions, they become fully productive after 10-15 years. They have a rich, shallow root system that absorbs moisture and nutrition from the soil. The fruit needs to be carefully picked, as it easily bruises on a tree.
Factors That Can Kill an Avocado Tree
In the world of horticulture, one of the most common enemies of an avocado tree is the cold. Although short cold-spells are generally not fatal, temperatures below 20°F can cause severe damage to the flowering parts of a tree and may even kill it.
Avocado trees share an intimate relationship with soil. Avocado trees need well-drained soils to prevent root rot. Soils without proper aeration can lead to disastrous effects on the roots. If the air pockets around the roots are infiltrated with water and start decaying, the death of the tree is imminent.
Citrus thrips and root knot nematodes cause serious infections in an avocado tree. They feed on the nutrients from it, leading to wilting and death of leaves, flowers and fruit. Therefore, it is important to inspect the tree for infections and parasites regularly to prevent any damage to the tree.
In climates subject to heavy rain and snow, avocado trees need protection from harsh winds. If the wind is so strong that it is unable to penetrate the tree, it can cause structural damage by breaking its branches and stems.
Irrigation and Nutrition
Irregular and excessive watering can be a slow killer of an avocado tree. In the summer months, water once every ten days and in the winter months, water once a month. An irrigation system allows for sustainable management of water to keep the tree healthy.
Avocado trees are nitrogen-hungry, meaning they need more nitrogen than other types of trees. Slow release fertilisers are the best option for these trees as they help provide extra nutrition throughout the growth cycle.
Finally, avocado trees should be protected from rodents as well. Rodents like mice and rats feed on the leaves and twigs that grow in the spring and summer, affecting the future bonding of the branches.
Insect Pests That Damage An Avocado Tree
Insect pests can be deadly for avocado trees, leading to their ultimate demise. Some of the most destructive insects for avocado trees are scale insects, whiteflies, and aphids. These pests tend to feed on the plant’s sap, which can weaken it and even cause its leaves to drop off.
The most effective way to fight an infestation of insects is by using insecticides. However, gardeners should avoid using such drugs liberally. It is important to understand the type of insect the avocado tree is infested with before applying the correct product.
Yellow sticky traps are also an effective way to control the population of insects and whiteflies. These traps are filled with sweet substances that attract and trap the insects while killing them in the process.
Over-Insulating and Pruning
Pruning involves trimming the parts of the tree that are weak or in excess. Pruning should be done carefully in spring or summer but never during a season when the tree is frosty. Over-insulating is also another common mistake made by novice gardeners. An avocado tree grows best when it is exposed to some wind, so covering it completely will not only slow its growth but can also increase its chances of dying.
Signs of an Unwell Avocado Tree
If a gardener notices that the leaves of an avocado tree are turning yellow with age or in isolation, it is likely that the tree is unwell. Other signs can include dropping leaves or fruits, wilting and yellowing of fruit and flowers, dry branches, and weak stems.
Sometimes, the signs of distress can be attributed to lack of nutrients. An avocado tree’s requirement for phosphorus and potassium is higher than other trees. If the gardener has not been providing it with balanced nutrition, the tree will not remain healthy.
Preventative Measures
In order to protect an avocado tree from diseases or incidentals, it is important to provide a healthy setting and adequate care. Keeping an eye out for pests, ensuring proper irrigation schedules, feeding the soil with plant-specific fertiliser, and providing adequate sunlight are all ways to prevent the death of an avocado tree.
Avocado trees can also benefit from mulching. Mulch involves laying organic matter over the soil, which helps it retain moisture and keeps weeds away from the roots.
Avoiding Chemical Treatment
Some gardeners are tempted to use chemical treatments when their avocado tree appears unwell. This is not recommended as the chemicals can do more damage than good. Using natural remedies whenever possible is the best way to deal with an avocado tree’s issues.
Aside from preventive measures, regular inspection is essential. Even a seemingly healthy tree can be subject to many diseases, pests and other factors that can weaken it or even kill it.
Gardeners should be observant and take detailed notes in order to identify any possible signs of distress. Noticing something wrong with the tree and taking action immediately is key to an avocado’s survival.
