Strategies to Improve Avocado and Grape Production in the USA

This report discusses strategies to improve avocado and grape production in the United States, where current production levels are relatively low due to various constraints. For avocados, the primary focus is on controlling Phytophthora cinnamomi through the use of effective fungicides and imple...Read More

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Introduction
Currently, production of avocadoes and grapes in the United States of America is
relatively low. This is due to different constraints that make avocado and grape production
sluggish .However, there are different strategies that can be implemented to bolster avocado
production in the United States of America.
How to improve production of Avocado
The control of Phytophthora cinnamomi remains the best strategy. Avocados in the
United States are usually attacked by different fungus. The best example of the fungus is
Phytophthora cinnamomi which causes the death of the fruits. This fungus has to be effectively
controlled so as to improve production (Holzapfel, De Souza, Jara, & Guerra, 2017). Best
fungicides should therefore be used in this case. According to research, there was dramatic
increase in Avocado production in trees that were recovering from pc attacks.
Another strategy to improve production of avocados is irrigation. Water is very important
for production of avocados. However, there is scarcity of water in some parts of the United
States of America and this makes production relatively low. Scarcity of water can be therefore
supplemented through thorough irrigation. Another problem is the presence of Phytophthora
cinnamomi makes it difficult for the trees to take up water. There should be plans therefore to
irrigate the healthy and diseased avocado trees. There should be the use of Tensiometers in the
fields to monitor how the trees use water as well as monitoring the water situation in the soils.
For proper avocado production, the moisture should be maintained at -25kpa and -60 kpa.

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Irrigation should be initiated when the moisture potential is not later than -50 kpa (Rodríguez
Pleguezuelo et al., 2018).
Fertilization should be implemented in avocado plants. Among many crops, the rate at
which macronutrients are exhausted in the soils is much greater in avocados. 10 tons of avocados
for example is able to remove 11 kilograms of nitrogen, 2 kilogram of phosphorous, 20
kilograms of potassium and 2 kilograms of calcium (Rodríguez Pleguezuelo et al., 2018). The
soils should be therefore supplemented with fertilizer to ensure maximum production.
Strategies to improve production of grapes
To increase the production of grapes, there should be different strategies that ought to be
implemented. One such strategy is ensuring that the soils are well drained as well as sufficient
nutrients and water. The best soils for grapes should either be sand or clay but not heavy clay.
Besides, the salt concentration, extreme PH should be avoided as they reduce the yields.
According to research, high yields of grapes can be achieved by controlling the quantity
of grape bunches as well as the size of the prape berries. The sizes of the berry should be even so
as to ensure maturity and this will maximize the production of the grapes per area.
Supplying necessary nutrients can also be key to improve production of the grapes (Brillante et
al., 2016). Nitrogen should be available in the correct amount as it promotes strong growth, early
growth as well as bunch and berry weight. However, excess nitrogen can increase the risks of

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diseases.

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Potassium should also be provided throughout since it allows sugar accumulation. According to
studies in Chile for example, 600kg/ha of potassium doubled the production of grapes (Adriana,
Regina, Bruna, & Maria, 2016). Magnesium on the other hand should also be availed in the right
proportions since it maintains photosynthesis of proteins that are needed for high production.
CONCLUSION
Lower production of avocados and grapes lead to significant losses to the farmers.
Necessary strategies ought to be utilized so as to improve on production. For the case of
avocados irrigation and the control of Phytophthora cinnamomi is necessary to bolster

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production. For grapes, control of extreme temperature and PH is essential for maximum
production. Supply of essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and magnesium is necessary.

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References
Adriana, P. C., Regina, V., Bruna, A. S., & Maria, E. E. (2016). Improving production of
aromatic compounds by indigenous yeasts in Chenin Blanc grape must. African
Journal of Agricultural Research, 11(28), 2433-2442. doi:10.5897/ajar2016.10964
Brillante, L., Belfiore, N., Gaiotti, F., Lovat, L., Sansone, L., Poni, S., & Tomasi, D. (2016).
Comparing Kaolin and Pinolene to Improve Sustainable Grapevine Production during
Drought. PLOS ONE, 11(6), e0156631. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0156631
Holzapfel, E., De Souza, J. A., Jara, J., & Guerra, H. C. (2017). Responses of avocado
production to variation in irrigation levels. Irrigation Science, 35(3), 205-215.
doi:10.1007/s00271-017-0533-0
Rodríguez Pleguezuelo, C. R., Francia Martínez, J. R., García Tejero, I. F., Gálvez Ruíz, B.,
Franco Tarifa, D., & Durán Zuazo, V. H. (2018). Avocado ( Persea americana Mill.)
Trends in Water-Saving Strategies and Production Potential in a Mediterranean
Climate, the Study Case of SE Spain. Water Scarcity and Sustainable Agriculture in
Semiarid Environment, 317-346. doi:10.1016/b978-0-12-813164-0.00014-4