Avocado

Persea americana

1. Identification and origin

The avocado tree (Persea americana Mill.), belonging to the Lauraceae family, is native to Central America and Mexico. The crop has spread to tropical and subtropical regions of several continents, being today one of the fastest-growing fruit crops worldwide.

2. Economic importance

The avocado has a high commercial value due to the strong international demand, driven by nutritional interest and culinary versatility. Countries such as Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Israel, Spain and Portugal have recorded a significant increase in the production area.

3. Botanical characterisation

Evergreen tree of medium to large size, with a dense canopy and superficial roots. The leaves are persistent, leathery and aromatic. The flowers are small, yellowish-green, with protogynous dichogamy, influencing pollination. The fruits are large berries, with a variable exocarp, oil-rich pulp and a single seed.

4. Soil and climate requirements

It prefers mild subtropical climates, being sensitive to frost and strong winds. It requires deep, well-drained soils rich in organic matter. It is intolerant of waterlogging due to the susceptibility of the roots to asphyxia and soil fungi. It needs good water availability, with controlled irrigation.

5. Main pests

• Mites (Oligonychus perseae, Tetranychus urticae): discolouration and leaf drop.
• Fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata): direct damage to the fruits.
• Thrips (Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis): silvering and leaf necrosis.
• Mealybugs and scale insects (Pseudococcidae, Coccidae): weaken the plant and favour sooty mould.
• Borers (Curculionidae): affect branches and trunks.

6. Main diseases

• Phytophthora cinnamomi: root rot, the most serious disease of the crop.
• Anthracnose (Colletotrichum gloeosporioides): black spots and post-harvest rots.
• Cankers and trunk rots (Nectria, Botryosphaeria spp.).
• Powdery mildew (Oidium spp.): affects young leaves.
• Post-harvest rots caused by opportunistic fungi.

7. General cultural management

It includes the selection of rootstocks tolerant to Phytophthora, planting in well-drained soils, controlled irrigation, formation and aeration pruning, regular monitoring of pests and diseases and careful harvesting to reduce mechanical damage. Integrated management is essential to ensure the productivity and longevity of the orchards.

Bibliographic references

• Whiley, A. W., Schaffer, B., & Wolstenholme, B. N. (2002). The Avocado: Botany, Production and Uses. CABI.
• Lahav, E., & Lavi, U. (2009). “Avocado.” In: Fruit Breeding. Springer.
• Crane, J. H., & Balerdi, C. F. (2016). Avocado Growing in the Tropics. University of Florida IFAS.
• Ploetz, R. C. (1999). “Phytophthora diseases of Persea americana.” In: Diseases of Tropical Fruit Crops. CABI.