Avocado
About Avocado in Kenya
Avocado farming is a thriving sector in Kenya, with over 40 varieties grown across the country. Among these, Hass stands out as the primary export variety, while Fuerte is favored for processing. Other commercial varieties include Keitt, Reed, Booth 8, and Pinkerton, with rootstocks like Puebla and Fuerte widely used in the industry. Avocado trees thrive best in altitudes between 1500 to 2100 meters above sea level, requiring well-distributed rainfall of around 1000 mm annually. With proper care, including well-drained soil and appropriate climatic conditions, avocado farming offers high yields, making it a valuable crop for both local consumption and export markets. The crop is generally harvested from April to September, with peak production occurring between July and August.
Climactic Range
Avocado performs best between 1500-2100m above sea level with 1000 mm of well-distributed rainfall.
Soil Type
- Avocado thrives in deep (about 1 m of topsoil), permeable and free draining soil with adequate moisture retention and a pH of 5.5-6.5.
- Mulches and manure should be added to soils low in organic matter. Waterlogged soils favour the development of Phytophthora root-rot (see diseases).
- It has very low tolerance to salinity. If the pH is above 6.5, Agricultural Gypsum (CaSO4) may be used to lower it.
Land Preparation
When laying out the field, one should consider the type of soil and climatic conditions, tree type and size, irrigation, and farm machinery access. The initial cultivation should be deep to allow better and faster root proliferation. Aggressive perennial weeds such as Kikuyu grass should be eliminated before planting.
Organic Solutions:
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Earthlee (Organic Humate Powder): Earthlee enhances soil fertility by improving soil structure and water retention. It is highly beneficial for avocados, as it aids in nutrient uptake and increases microbial activity. Apply about 10g per planting hole, or 20-100 kg per hectare as a soil amendment to optimize soil health.
-
Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Incorporating Asilee into the soil promotes root health, balances soil nutrients, and enhances overall plant vigor. This product is an excellent addition for improving the organic matter content of your soil.
- Absorber or Okoamaji (Water Retainers): Before transplanting apply 10 – 20g of dry Absorber with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
- Organic Compost + Animal Fertilizer: A mix of compost and goat or cow manure is required in the planting hole of the avocado plant.
Synthetic Solutions (when necessary):
-
Lime: If the soil pH is too acidic, apply agricultural lime to raise the pH level to the desired range. This step ensures better nutrient availability for avocado trees.
Spacing
Fuerte and Hass are typically spaced at 9m x 9m (120 plants/ ha).
Planting Process & Rootstocks
Prepare holes 60 x 60 x 60 cm (length x width x depth) a month before planting. Separate the top and sub-soils. Mix the top soil with 20 kg (debe) of decomposed Farm Yard Manure (FYM) and top soil. Absorber/ Okoamaji can be incorporated at this point at a rate of 20gms per planting hole. Earthlee should also be incorporated into the soil mix as well.
Carefully remove the plant from the container with the soil intact and place it in the centre of the hole and cover firmly with the mixture of top soil and FYM. Make a basin around the seedling for holding water. Transplanting is more successful when carried out during the long rains either early morning or evening. Plant the seedlings at the same depth as it was in the nursery and water the plant immediately after planting. In hot areas, shade the seedlings after transplanting.
Choose the right rootstock for your avocado variety to ensure optimal growth and resilience. Popular rootstocks in Kenya include Puebla, Fuerte, Duke, G6, and G7.
Organic Practices:
- Absorber/ Okoamaji when added to the planting medium provides the security of water retention well after the seedlings have been established. Absorber is active for 5 years while Okoamaji is active for 3 years.
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Mulching: Use organic mulches like grass or sawdust around the base of the tree to conserve moisture, reduce weeds, and provide organic matter to the soil. This helps in maintaining a consistent temperature around the roots.
Synthetic Fertilizers (optional):
-
Balanced NPK Fertilizers: In cases where soil fertility is low, a slow-release NPK fertilizer may be required to supplement organic practices. Apply in moderation, considering the avocado's nutrient needs at each stage of growth.
- Earthlee can be used in conjunction with conventional NPK fertilizers to make them slow release. You would have to mix 1kg of Earthlee with 50Kg of CAN, DAP, TSP or other NPK fertilizer and this would add a slow release element to the mixture. Earthlee coaching helps slow down the release of the nitrates and ensures the availability of nutrients throughout the growing season.
Pollination
The type of avocado cultivars planted in an orchard will contribute to the expected yield. There are two types of avocado that flower at different times of the year (type A and type B). Mix both types in an orchard so that type A pollinates type B and vice visa in the table below. Hence cross pollination leads to higher yields than self-pollination. The presence of bee hives within the orchard is recommended as bees are the main pollinators of avocado. One should avoid applying chemicals that are harmful to bees. Achook, our leading bio-pesticide is Bee friendly and will not harm them when sprayed.
Table 1: Avocado types A and B
| “A” Varieties | “B” Varieties |
|---|---|
| Hass | Bacon |
| Gwen | Ettinger |
| Lamb | Fuerte |
| Reed | Sir Prize |
| GEM | Walter Hole |
| Harvest | Zutano |
Agricultural Inputs & Fertilizers
| Age (In Years) | Asilee | Earthlee | CAN (grams) | DSP (grams) | Potash | Farm Yard Manure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-3 Years |
100 - 200 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
10 grams Twice Per Year |
125 grams | 225 grams | - | 15 kg |
| 4-5 Years |
150 - 300 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
10 grams Twice Per Year |
225 grams | 450 grams | - | 15 Kg |
| 6-7 Years |
300 - 400 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
15 grams Twice Per Year |
450 grams | 650 grams | 225 grams | 30 Kg |
| 8-9 Years |
400 - 500 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
15 grams Twice Per Year |
650 grams | 650 grams | 450 grams | 30 Kg |
| 10-14 Years |
400 - 500 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
20 grams Twice Per Year |
900 grams | 1000 grams | 635 grams | - |
| +15 Years |
400 - 500 grams/ Tree Twice a year application |
20 grams Twice Per Year |
1300 grams | 1200 grams | 650 grams | - |
Irrigation
Irrigation should be done when necessary to increase yield and spread production.
Bearing
Avocado starts bearing within 3 years after transplanting. Peak harvest occurs between July-August.
Mulching and Weeding
Mulching is undertaken to conserve moisture and to add organic matter to the soil. Mulching will therefore improve water retention of soil and subsequently promote avocado growth. The most common mulch for avocado is well-dried grass that is pest free. Sawdust should be avoided as it decomposes and ties up available nitrogen. Dry leaves may also be used as mulch. Cultivate around the trees to keep them weed free. Note that use of herbicides is not recommended.
Pruning
Apical bud of young plants should be nipped to slow growth and lead to a compact tree. Lower branches that interfere with cultural activities including irrigation should be pruned. Heavy pruning should only be carried out to reduce the size of the tree after 12 to 15 years of bearing.
Intercropping
Avocado orchards may be intercropped with other crops such as beans, peas, kale, or cabbage during the first 3-5 years to get economic returns from the land before the trees start bearing or produce economic returns.
Yield
An avocado tree yields 230-320 kg (7.5 - 11 t /ha) of fruit per year. Grafted trees start bearing after 3-4 years after planting but economical crop is obtainable from the sixth year. 3-5 year-old tree yields 300-400 kg fruits per hectare while a tree older than 5 years yields 800-1000 kg fruits (80,000-100,000 fruits per hectare).
Harvesting
Avocado is harvested between April and September in Kenya. Since most varieties do not change colour on maturity, a few fruits should be picked and stored at room temperature for 7- 10 days. If they soften without shrivelling, then the fruit is ready for harvesting. Fruit should not be pulled from the stalk but be cut off leaving a 3-cm stalk.
Diseases and Pests
| Disease/Pest | Treatment (Organix Products) | Control Advice |
|---|---|---|
| Avocado Root Rot (Phytophthora) | Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Helps suppress fungal infections in the root zone. Products that restore the soil microbes and structure are solutions for such infections. |
Apply Asilee to the soil to improve root health and prevent fungal pathogen development. Ensure good drainage to prevent waterlogging. |
| Avocado Thrips | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Effective against thrips. | Regular spraying of Achook, especially during flowering and fruit-setting stages. Monitor and treat as necessary. |
| Root Weevils | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Natural pesticide for root weevils. | Apply Achook to soil and root zones. Use preventive measures in the off-season. |
| Avocado Moth (Cydia pomonella) | Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Reduces pathogen growth in soil that may attract pests like the avocado moth. | Apply Asilee to soil and around the root zone. Prune damaged branches and fruit to remove potential sources of infestation. |
| Mealybugs | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Neem extract disrupts mealybug reproduction. | Apply Achook to infected areas and monitor for mealybug populations regularly. Prune infected branches. |
| Scale Insects | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Targets scale insects effectively. | Apply Achook to stems and leaves where scale insects are present. Use sticky traps to monitor populations. |
| Anthracnose (Colletotrichum) | Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Suppresses fungal activity in soil, helping reduce anthracnose risk. | Apply Asilee to the soil to prevent the buildup of fungal spores. Ensure proper airflow and remove infected fruit. |
| Fusarium Wilt | Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Helps promote healthy soil, reducing the risk of Fusarium wilt. | Use Asilee to support root health and prevent the spread of Fusarium. Maintain proper soil structure and avoid overwatering. |
| Whiteflies | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Effective in controlling whiteflies. | Spray Achook to control both adult and larval stages of whiteflies. Monitor regularly for reinfestation. |
| Aphids | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Neem extract targets aphids effectively. | Regularly inspect young foliage and apply Achook as needed. Ensure natural predators like ladybugs are present. |
| Persea Mites | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Effective against Persea mites. | Apply Achook regularly to affected areas, especially the undersides of leaves. Ensure thorough coverage. Consider using horticultural oil to suffocate mite eggs. |
| Stick Bugs | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Controls stick bugs by disrupting their reproductive cycle. | Apply Achook to the trunk and branches of the avocado tree. Regular monitoring is essential for timely treatment. |
| Mosquito Bugs | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Neem extract is effective in repelling and controlling mosquito bugs. | Spray Achook on foliage, especially during early stages of infestation. Ensure thorough coverage of leaves and stems. |
| False Coding Moth | Asilee (Cold-Pressed Oil Cake Soil Conditioner): Reduces pathogen buildup in soil and minimizes attraction for pests like the false coding moth. | Use Asilee to support healthy root development and prevent the attraction of moth larvae. Prune damaged areas to reduce further infestation. |
| Sooty Mold | Achook (Neem Extract Pesticide): Helps control the sap-sucking insects that cause sooty mold. | Treat the underlying pest infestation (such as aphids or whiteflies) with Achook, as sooty mold is a secondary issue. Regular cleaning of affected areas also helps manage mold. |
Bananas
Absorber
New Banana Planting: Before transplanting apply 10 – 20g of dry Absorber with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
Achook
New Banana Planting: For nematode control, 2 weeks after transplanting water the seedling and then drench root zone with 2 litres Achook solution at the rate of 8ml Achook / litre of water.
Established Bananas: For nematode control, water the plant and then drench root zone with 2 litre Achook solution at the rate of 8ml Achook / litre of water. For best results apply together with Nhance Foliar & Drench drench. Repeat every 3 months and alternate with other nematicides.
Asilee
New Banana Planting: Apply 100-200g per plant, 2 weeks after transplanting.
Established Bananas: Apply 200-500g per plant.
Earthlee
New Banana Planting: Before transplanting apply 40g of Earthlee with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
Established Bananas: Apply 20 – 40g Earthlee as a top dress per plant. Can be used on its’ own or mixed with other granular fertilizers.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
New Banana Planting: Before transplanting drench seedlings for 15 minutes with Nhance Foliar & Drench solution at the rate of 5ml / litre of water.
Apply two successive foliar sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench at 14 – 21 days intervals after transplanting at the rate of 3ml / litre of water.
Established Bananas: Water the plant and then drench root zone with 2 litres Nhance Foliar & Drench solution at the rate of 3ml Nhance Foliar & Drench / litre of water.
Repeat every 3 – 6 months.
Cabbage
Achook
For insect control like diamond black moth, aphids and other caterpillars etc., spray Achook at 14 day interval at the rate of 1ml / litre of water at first signs of pest. Ensure full coverage.
Asilee
Apply 10g per plant, 2 weeks after transplanting repeat at monthly intervals.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Okoamaji
½g per planting hole at transplanting.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
Drench seedling with Nhance Foliar & Drench solution in the nursery at the rate of 5ml / litre of water one day before transplanting.
Apply two successive foliar sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench at 14 – 21 days intervals after transplanting at the rate of 3ml / litre of water
Carrots
Achook
For nematode control, drench in the root zone Achook solution 10-14 days after germination at the rate of 1ml / litre of water by opening the knapsack nozzle.
For insect control like diamond black moth, aphids and other caterpillars etc., spray Achook at 14 day interval at the rate of 1ml / litre of water at first signs of pest. Ensure full coverage.
Asilee
Apply 50g-100g per running meter 2-3 weeks after germination/transplanting.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Okoamaji
5 Kilo per Ha with seed and fertiliser.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
Two sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench as follows:
a) 1st Foliar spray of Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 3ml / litre of water after germination.b) 2nd Foliar spray of Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 3ml / litre of water 3 weeks after the 1st spray
Cereals - Maize/ Barley/ Wheat
Asilee
300 kg / Ha or 30g / m² with seed and fertiliser.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Okoamaji
Apply 5 Kg / Ha with seed and fertiliser.
Nhance Seed
At time of planting coat 100ml Nhance Seed Treatment / 10Kg of seeds.
Nhance Foliar
One foliar spray of Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 2ml / litre of water at the 3-5 leaf stage.
Coffee
Absorber
Nursery: 1 kilo per 1000 Litres of soil.
Transplanting: 10-20g per planting hole.
Achook
Foliar application at 1ml / litre of water.
Asilee
New Planting Apply 50g-100g per plant, 4 weeks after transplanting
Mature: Apply 200-400g per plant
Earthlee
Transplanting: 10-20g per planting hole.
Fertilizer Coating: 1-2% mixture (1-2 Kilo Earthlee per 100 kilo of fertilizer) of Earthlee to be mixed with planting and top dressing fertilizer like DAP, NPK, Urea, Can, etc.
Mature trees: 10-50g Earthlee per tree (compare cost to adding manure only).
Nhance Drench | Foliar
Nursery Seed propagated: 1st application as a root drench when transplanting in the soil 0.5% or 5ml / litre water.
2nd application as foliar spray 3 weeks after 1st application. Apply at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water to runoff.
3rd application as foliar spray 3 weeks after 2nd application. Apply at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water to runoff.
4th application as a root drench just before transplanting at 0.5% or 5ml / litre water and 30ml solution per half litre bag.
Vegetative Propagation Nursery: 1st application as root drench on the same day as staking in the soil or medium at 0.5% of 5ml / litre water.
2nd foliar spray 3 weeks from first application 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
3rd application as foliar spray 3 weeks from second application at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
Newly transplanted in the field: 1st application as root drench on the same day as transplanting at 0.5% of 5ml / litre water.
2nd foliar spray 4 weeks from first application 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
3rd application as foliar spray 4 weeks from second application at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff
Mature Trees: 1st application as foliar spray at pinhead stage 0.3% of 3ml / litre water.
2nd foliar spray 3 weeks from first application 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff or 2 litre per hectare.
3rd application as foliar spray 4 weeks from second application at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
French Beans
Achook
For nematode control, drench in the root zone Achook solution 10-14 days after germination at the rate of 1ml / litre of water by opening the knapsack nozzle.
For insect control like diamond black moth, aphids and other caterpillars etc., spray Achook at 14 day interval at the rate of 1ml / litre of water at first signs of pest. Ensure full coverage.
Asilee
Apply 50g-100g per running meter 2-3 weeks after germination/transplanting.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Nhance Seed
At time of planting coat 100ml Nhance seed treatment / 10Kg of seeds.
Nhance Foliar
Two sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench as follows:
a) 1st Foliar spray of Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 3ml / litre of water at trifoliate stage.
b) 2nd Foliar spray at the rate of 3ml / litre of water 14 days from the 1st spray.
Okoamaji
Mix at the rate of 5Kg / Ha with seed and fertiliser.
Fruit Trees
(Mango, Citrus, Passion Fruit, Paw paw)
Absorber
Before transplanting apply 10 – 20g of dry Absorber with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
Achook
For insect control like diamond black moth, aphids and other caterpillars etc., spray Achook at 14 day interval at the rate of 1ml / litre of water at first signs of pest. Ensure full coverage.
Asilee
Newly Planted: Apply 100g Asilee per plant, 2 weeks from transplanting
Mature Trees: Apply 200-400g Asilee per plant prior to onset of rains
Earthlee
Before transplanting apply 10 – 20g of Earthlee with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
Newly transplanted: 1st application as root drench on the same day as transplanting at 0.5% of 5ml / litre water.
2nd foliar spray 4 weeks from first application 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
3rd application as foliar spray 4 weeks from second application at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff.
Mature Trees: 1st application as foliar spray at pinhead stage 0.3% of 3ml / litre water.
2nd foliar spray 3 weeks from first application 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff or 2 litre per hectare.
3rd application as foliar spray 4 weeks from second application at 0.3% or 3ml / litre of water applied to runoff
Napier Grass
Absorber
Before transplanting apply ½ g of dry Absorber with backfill of planting hole. Mix thoroughly with backfill to ensure even spread.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
New Planting:
a)Dip planting material for 15 minutes in a solution of Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 5ml / litre of water.
b)Two successive foliar sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench at 3 week intervals after planting at the rate of 3ml / litre of water.
For Existing Fields: Spray Nhance Foliar & Drench at the rate of 3ml / litre of water after appearance of new shoots after every harvest.
Onions
Achook
For insect control like diamond black moth, aphids and other caterpillars etc., spray Achook at 14 day interval at the rate of 1ml / litre of water at first sign of pest. Ensure full coverage.
Earthlee
At time of planting or top dressing, granular fertilizers should be coated with 1kg Earthlee for every 50kg fertilizers.
Nhance Drench | Foliar
Drench seedlings with Nhance Foliar & Drench solution in the nursery at the rate of 5ml / litre of water one day before transplanting.
Apply two successive foliar sprays of Nhance Foliar & Drench at 14 days intervals after transplanting at the rate of 3ml / litre of water.
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