Avocado fruit has been steadily gaining popularity not only locally but globally as well over the last two decades. In Kenya, avocado remains the single highest exported fruit accounting for 80% of the total earning in 2019. The global increase in demand for the fruit has been accelerated by international recognition of the multiple health benefits associated with it and thus making it an inclusion in most diets. It is no longer considered an exotic fruit but part of the everyday diet for many people in different countries. Global production of avocado has steadily increased over the years and rose from 5.62 million tons in 2016 to 6.3 million in 2018.
Despite increased production and growth in terms of acreage over the last decade, avocado sustainable production still faces numerous challenges. Some of these include:
- Poor and inadequate nutritional practices
- Insect and pest infestation
- Fruit diseases
- Poor orchard management practices
- Poor post-harvest handling practices
|
Product |
Key attributes |
Application timing |
|
Multiphos 10-25-0 +TE Multiphos 1-35-0 + TE |
Replaces DAP in acidic soils. Slow release N, protected P with Ca, Mg, S, Zn and starter copper. |
Excellent for young orchards and application after harvest to promote root mass for improved nutrient uptake for mature orchards. |
|
Durasop Elite 10.10.17+TE |
High efficiency NPK fertilizer with SR N, protected P. |
Supplies balanced NPK both for young and mature orchards. |
|
Microquel Durafruit ( N, Ca, Zn and amino acids) |
Calcium solution complexed by amino acids meant to optimise post-harvest quality of vegetables and fruits |
Needs to be applied within 6 weeks of fruit set at 1-3 Litres/ha. |
|
Zincmax ( Zn & B) |
A liquid organic zinc complex for use as a foliar spray to prevent or correct zinc deficiencies. |
1st spray at priming – 150ml/100 L of water 2nd and 3rd at flowering at 150ml/100L and 100ml/100L respectively. |
|
Calcimax ( Ca & B) |
A liquid organic calcium nutrient zinc complex for use as a spray to prevent or correct calcium deficiencies and related physiological disorders |
Early application within 6 weeks of fruit set at 500ml/100L water. |
|
Fruitboost Phase 2 (Ca, K, Zn & B. Contains seaweed). |
A liquid organic nutrient complex for use as a foliar spray during fruit set and development to prevent or correct deficiencies. |
Apply 3 times during fruit set and development at 1 litre/ha. |
