Introduction:
Hello friends! I am from Pak Plants. Today i am introducing a very delicious fruit plant that's really rare in nature and many people are unaware of this fruit. This fruit plant is avocado plant. Its scientific name is Persea Americana. Avocados are one of the most healthy and delicious fruits, but they can take several years to mature and produce fruit. It can be quite discouraging to plant an avocado tree and then wait a long time without any fruit.
Maturation Period:
Avocado trees might not produce fruit for various reasons, but one possibility is that the tree simply isn't mature yet. Typically, avocado trees can take between seven to fifteen years to start producing fruit. This is quite a long time, but there are ways to encourage your avocado tree to bear fruit in a shorter period.
Seed Germination:
An avocado tree grown from a seed may take up to ten to fifteen years to yield fruit, which is a lengthy wait for most people. However, if you purchase an avocado tree from a nursery or garden center, it should start producing fruit within three to four years. When buying an avocado plant, check its type—some varieties have both male and female flowers, while others need another tree for pollination.
Plant Flowering Pattern:
The avocado tree can produce thousands to millions of flowers during the blooming season, but many of these flowers will fall off without producing fruit. There are two main flowering patterns for avocados: A and B. Flowers of both patterns produce pollen, and they are unique because they have both male and female organs, although they do not function simultaneously. To get the best pollination, plant both A and B types. If space is limited, planting an A-type avocado tree and relying on self-pollination is your best bet.
Growth Process:
Some growth conditions are crucial for producing fruit. Avocado trees bloom and produce well in moderately warm temperatures. The ideal temperature range for flowering is between seventy and seventy-nine degrees Fahrenheit. Freezing temperatures can damage potential fruit growth.
Water your plant moderately but thoroughly, and allow the soil surface to dry out before watering again. Good drainage is also important. Avocado trees grow best in sandy loam soil. They thrive in moderately warm regions and should be planted between March and June.
Fertilization:
Using good fertilizer can help your tree produce fruit. Fertilize regularly during late winter to early spring and early summer.
Pollination:
Although avocado trees have both stamens and stigmas, they are not self-pollinating. You might need to assist with pollination, especially if weather conditions like low temperatures or heavy rain keep insects away. To ensure thorough pollination, consider planting one or two avocado trees near each other.
Business Benefits:
Who says you can’t make money from trees? They can indeed earn you from ₹1,000,000 to ₹2,000,000 in India. In fact, a remarkable phenomenon has been achieved by IG Deccan and Dr. Srinivasan. They started working on avocado six years ago. Fruits that used to be imported into India, especially special varieties, are now being grown in India. The price of this fruit ranges from ₹100 per kilogram to ₹2,000 per kilogram. Even at the minimum price, you can earn comfortably between ₹800,000 and ₹1,000,000 from one acre. We’ll provide complete information on where we stand in Himachal Pradesh, so make sure to watch this video till the end for all the details.
Demanded as imported food:
Our basic economy here is based on apples, which are a bit costly to cultivate now. I researched that the demand for imported foods like avocados and blueberries is increasing every year. This led us to think about producing these fruits ourselves. We aimed to set up a model farm to see how it would affect our economy.
Issues in growing:
We had 50 plants here and 50 at another location. Out of these, 19 are currently thriving here, and 24 are at the other site. We faced issues due to a lack of care and improper watering. We realized that root rot is a significant problem, and insufficient water contributed to plant damage.
What are your expectations for avocado production this year?
Based on our experience and the current conditions, the avocado production is expected to be quite good. Our FPO Deccan Exotic FPO has been working with ICAR-IHR Bengaluru for technical advice. We initially provided 100 plants for a sample trial. After some initial setbacks, we improved our irrigation protocol, which positively impacted plant growth.
What were the irrigation issues, and how did they affect the plants?
In the first year, we didn’t provide enough irrigation due to concerns about root rot. When we started regular watering and installed a drip irrigation system, the plant performance improved. Continuous rain also contributed positively this year.
What changes have you made in irrigation and plant care?
We started regular watering and applied nutrients this year, which has shown improvements. The plants are growing well with minimal disease issues. Compared to apple farming, where we deal with many diseases, avocados seem to be more tolerant in this climate.
Can you compare the performance of Mexican rootstocks with local varieties?
Mexican rootstocks are more frost-tolerant and perform better in high-altitude areas. Local varieties, however, have shown higher mortality and poorer growth in comparison. Mexican rootstocks are preferred for their better performance and survival rates.
How much can one expect to earn from avocado farming in India?
In peak months of October, November, and December, avocado prices are high, reaching up to ₹800 per kilogram. Even with an average price, farmers can earn a substantial income. With proper care, one can expect around ₹40,000 per plant, and potential earnings could reach ₹1,000,000 per acre.
What is your recommendation for planting density?
In hilly areas, we recommend planting around 100 to 120 plants per acre. For better yields, intercropping with crops like coffee and tea is also feasible.
Have you experienced any issues with pests or infections?
There have been no significant pest problems, as avocados are not attractive to birds like apples or cherries. Additionally, there have been no infections or other animal issues so far.
What is the difference in growth and yield between local and Mexican rootstocks?
Local varieties have shown higher mortality rates and less growth compared to Mexican rootstocks. The production potential of local varieties is still uncertain, but Mexican rootstocks have proven to be more reliable and productive.
In summary, patience is key when growing avocado trees. It may take some time, but with the right care and conditions, you can enjoy your own avocados.
