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WHERE TO GROW AVOCADO

The document outlines the land suitability and climatic requirements for avocado cultivation in Kenya, highlighting key factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, altitude, water, soil structure, pH, organic matter, and salinity. It emphasizes the importance of mixing different avocado types for effective pollination and provides recommendations for optimal growing conditions. Additionally, it includes information on the major commercial varieties and their production seasons across different regions in Kenya.

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24 views8 pages

WHERE TO GROW AVOCADO

The document outlines the land suitability and climatic requirements for avocado cultivation in Kenya, highlighting key factors such as temperature, rainfall, humidity, altitude, water, soil structure, pH, organic matter, and salinity. It emphasizes the importance of mixing different avocado types for effective pollination and provides recommendations for optimal growing conditions. Additionally, it includes information on the major commercial varieties and their production seasons across different regions in Kenya.

Uploaded by

namsaggrouptanzania
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WHERE TO GROW

AVOCADO IN KENYA
Land suitability for avocado growing in Kenya

2
CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS

The main commercial varieties of Aavocado grown in Kenya


are Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton, with Fuerte and Puebla also
recommended as rootstocks. Additionally, the country also has
other varieties including Choquette (jumbo type) Entenger,G755,
Simmond, Tonnage and Zutano.

In terms of geographical distribution, the avocado suitability map


shows the main avocado growing areas in Kenya. There are two
types of avocado that flower at different times of the year (type
A and B). Farmers are advised to mix both types in an orchard so
that type A pollinates type B and vice versa.

(i) Temperature
Globally, avocados are grown across a wide range of temperatures.
There are different temperature requirements for “subtropical”
(Mexican, Guatemalan, Mexican hybrids) and “tropical” (West
Indian and West Indian Guatemalan) cultivar). Hass avocado
requires an optimum temperature of 25–28°C. For most avocado
varieties, the maximum temperature should be less than 30°C.
Temperature above 35°C is tolerated but with a negative effect on
fruit yield and size.

(ii) Rainfall
Rainfall should not be less than 1,000 mm and should be well
distributed. High moisture content and light showers at the time
of flowering and fruit set will ensure good yields. Where needed,
supplementary water through irrigation, should be light and
frequent and not more than 50 mm at a time. Where rainfall is
very high ( more than 1,800 mm) with several very wet months
(greater than 300 mm), the risk of root rot is severe.

3
(iii) Relative humidity
Relative humidity is important in avocado growing through its
role in aggravating (low RH) or alleviating (high RH) physiological
stress. High RH and cool temperatures during the growing season
result in minimal environmental stress and excellent performance
of “Hass”, but cause problems with uptake of boron and calcium,
which play a key role in fruit growth and quality.

ALTITUDE
In Kenya, avocados can be grown at an altitude of about 1,500
to 2,100 metres above sea level. However, they can grow at any
altitude less than 2,500 m. In Kenya, the crop is generally grown in
highland areas between 1,000 and 2,10l m.

WATER
Avocados have variable water requirements depending on
varieties or races. In tropical/subtropical areas, a total of 1,000
mm is regarded as the minimum desirable amount of rainfall per
annum and should be well distributed. However, supplementary
irrigation is often recommended during flowering and fruit set.
Too much rain during flowering can also lead to flower shedding
and reduced cropping. A “moderate” annual rainfall of 1,250–
1,750 mm, preferably with good distribution and some form of
supplemental irrigation during dry periods, is recommended

SOIL
(i) Soil structure, texture and depth
Avocado grows successfully in many types of soils provided the soil
is deep, permeable and well drained. Good soil aeration is needed
and a depth of at least one metre of topsoil is recommended. One
soil condition to be definitely avoided is water-logging because
root rots, such as Phytophthora can be a serious problem for
avocado trees.

4
(ii) Soil pH
Optimum soil pH appears to be around 6.2 to 6.5 but they are
grown successfully at pH from 5 to 8. If Phytophthora root rot
is known to be problem in the area, soil pH should be checked.
Gypsum (CaSO4) may be necessary if the pH is higher than 6.5 and
soil calcium levels appear to aid suppression. Deep cultivation and
supplements of lime (where necessary) and superphosphate are
recommended to adjust soil pH before planting.

(iii) Organic matter content


A reasonable organic matter content of the soil is good for
avocado, but if the levels are a bit low at the stage of planting, this
can be supplemented by mulches and manures during the lifetime
of the crop.

(iv) Salinity
Avocados are salt sensitive, and are particularly susceptible to
excessive chlorine levels. Growing avocados in arid / semi desert
conditions increases the risk of high salinity levels in ground water.

5
PRODUCTION SEASONS IN DIFFERENT REGIONS IN KENYA

6
PRODUCTION SEASON OF MAJOR COMMERCIAL VARIETIES

7
Compiled by: Nyaga A., Njuguna J., Wasilwa L., Ndambuki J., Gatambia
E., Khavi S., Ndungu J. N., Mulwa J., Odhiambo H., Ong’awa M., AmataR.,
Otipa M., Ochieng V and Kasina M.

Edited by: Editors: Nyabundi K.W., Mukundi K.T., Maina P., Wanyama
H.N., Kedemi R.M., Otieno A.S. and Biegon A. K.

For further Information, contact:


The Institute Director
KALRO Horticulture Research Institute,
P O Box P.O. Box 220-01000Thika
Director.hri@kalro.org

Design and layout by Emma Nyaola

KALRO/NAVCDP/PAMPHLET No..129/2024

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