UGX 6,000

Seedling rate: 160 seedlings per acre

Spacing: 5m x 5m

Maturity period: 3.5 years

Soil

The ideal soil for Hass avocado trees is loose and loamy or sandy, with a pH level no higher than 6.5. Drainage is critical, as the feeder roots are close to the surface and sensitive. If there is excess moisture, your Hass avocado tree might suffer from root rot.

Heavy clay is the worst for Hass avocado trees, but if you have no other choice, create a raised bed or a mound with a 3-5 foot diameter to plant the tree on.

Watering

When your Hass avocado tree is newly planted, it will need to be watered every two to three days. Before watering, always make sure the soil isn’t already very moist. As the tree gets older, you can reduce watering to once a week.

Hass avocado trees are susceptible to various diseases and pests;

Diseases

Phytophthora, which causes root rot, fruit rot, and collar rot, spreads through watering. To help prevent this issue, make sure you have excellent soil drainage and keep your tree dry. Unfortunately, once phytophthora sets in, there is no way to save an established tree.

Avocado black streak causes cankers, but its own cause is unknown. It creates cracked, black lesions on Hass avocado tree trunks and branches. Proper irrigation can help you avoid this issue.

Pest

Common pests that disturb Hass avocado trees include avocado mites, avocado brown mites, mealybugs, avocado thrips and persea mites.

Fertilizer

Year 1: 50 to 100g CAN per tree per year.
• Year 2: 200 to 200g CAN per tree, per year.
Year 3: 150 to 300g CAN per tree, per year.
In subsequent years, apply 200 to 400g CAN per tree, per year depending on the crop potential.
Apply rates in two to four splits to avoid losses due to leaching or scorching of roots.
For farmers who prefer organic farming, during the early development of the avocado tree (in the first four years), a regular supply of compost and green manure can be provided to improve the foliar development.
During flowering, application of organic fertilizers (compost made of farmyard manure or other organic material) should be applied so that enough nutrients are available for fruit formation and fruit development.
Some 10kg of farmyard manure per tree, per year is beneficial.

NOTE:  Expected yields rise from 50 fruits at 2.5 years, and pick yields rising to 3,000 fruits per tree at 10 years, yields increase as the tree grows bigger in size. The life span of a Hass Avocado tree is 30 years, and the plantation can be cut down, and sprouts again like coffee trees without replanting.