Cultural Management Library

This article provides an in-depth look at leaf nutrient concentration ranges for Hass avocados based on fall leaf samples. In addition, it outlines optimal sample timing and which leaves to choose.

Data collected from a high-density trial at Pine Tree Ranch and from other growers and researchers supports the notion that high density planting likely makes good economic sense, at least in the early years of the grove. However, growers should be aware of the potential risks as well as potential rewards associated with high density plantings before choosing a spacing for their grove. This article examines the economics of high density grove plantings and helps growers examine whether this mode is right for their grove.

Cover crops do a great job of putting carbon into the soil and that, regardless of why you do it, has a wealth of benefits for plants. This article delves into the science of cover crops, how they benefit soils and cover crop options.

This article provides an overview of Botryosphaeriaceae fungi, including its rise, how it is impacting agriculture in California and cultural management recommendations to prevent Avocado Branch Canker and Dothiorella Canker.

A look at the various macronutrients that play a role in California avocado productivity. The macronutrients include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). These six nutrients can be further divided into primary (N, P and K) and secondary (Ca, Mg and S).

High density groves can be a good option for California avocado growers but this article serves as a reminder that it doesn’t matter how many trees you have per acre, because trees per acre is not what determines yield potential. Learn more about how light interception impacts fruiting, blossom and productivity.

This article provides an overview of the 14 essential mineral nutrients — without which the plant cannot complete its lifecycle — that are taken into a plant through its roots. Topics include nutrient uptake, how soil factors impact plant nutrition and optimal fertilizer application and timing.

Salinity affects plant growth and understanding what it is and how it is measured and evaluated is important. Just having wet soil that is full of salts is not going to help a plant, it’s going to add stress and eventually physiological and disease problems. This article examines the salts — which are combinations of electrically charged ions — found in water and how to evaluate water's salinity.

To prepare growers for a potential withdraw of the registration for glyphosate, this article examines other weed management options including mechanical and chemical weed control. The piece includes a chart of herbicide active ingredients for use in avocados.

Gibberellic acid (GA3 ) has been approved for use on avocado — including use in certified organic orchards — to increase fruit size and yield. This article outlines application timing, spray volume and dilation rate, spray solution pH and how to use a wetting agent.