Biostimulants for Avocado: Technical Guide by Phenological Phase
The avocado crop in Spain has experienced exceptional growth in recent years, especially in regions such as the Costa del Sol and the Axarquía of Málaga. This boom is due to the increasing global demand for avocados, both in Europe and other continents. Despite its popularity, avocado cultivation faces various agronomic challenges. Among them, irregular fruit set, fruit drop, water stress during summer, and deficiencies of crucial nutrients such as calcium and boron stand out. These problems are particularly relevant in prominent growing areas such as Málaga and Granada. In this context, agricultural biostimulants have emerged as an effective solution to optimize avocado production, improving both the quality and quantity of the fruits.
Why Avocado Responds Particularly Well to Biostimulants
The avocado has a simple and superficial root system that largely depends on the fertility of the topsoil for its proper development. This characteristic makes it an ideal candidate for the use of biostimulants, which can enhance the absorption of essential nutrients. During flowering, the avocado exhibits a hermaphroditic flowering type A and B, where floral synchronization is key to successful fruit set. Additionally, the avocado has a high demand for calcium, not only to ensure fruit firmness but also to prolong its post-harvest shelf life. Another important aspect is its sensitivity to the salinity of irrigation water, a common condition in Spanish growing areas like Málaga. Biostimulants can mitigate the negative effects of these factors, promoting healthy avocado growth.
Complete Phenological Table — Ecoganic Program for Avocado
| Phase | Months (Northern Hemisphere) | Biostimulant Objective | Ecoganic Product | Dose L/ha | Application |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rest / Budding Start | January-February | Activation of buds, rooting | TERRA HUMID + NITROTECH 10 | 3+4 | Fertigation |
| Budding / Floral Development | February-March | Vigor, pre-flowering nutrition | BOOST UNIVERSAL + BALANCE 7-7-7 | 3+5 | Foliar |
| Full Flowering | March-April | Fruit set, reduce floral abortion | PHACE + CALCIUM 40% | 3+4 | Foliar |
| Fruit Set / Small Fruit | April-May | Fruit fixation, structural calcium | CALCIUM 40% + PHOSMAX 20 | 5+3 | Bi-weekly Foliar |
| Fruit Enlargement | May-August | Size, quality, heat resistance | K-FLOW 20 + UNIVERSAL POWER | 4+2 | Monthly Foliar |
| Maturation / Pre-Harvest | August-November | Oil, firmness, shelf life | FULVEX 25L + MICRO PLUS | 3+2 | Foliar |
| Post-Harvest | November-December | Tree recovery, reserves | NITROTECH 16 + TERRA HUMID | 4+3 | Fertigation |
Main Problems of Avocado and How Biostimulants Solve Them
One of the most common problems in avocado cultivation is physiological fruit drop during June and July. This problem can be mitigated by applying CALCIUM 40% along with K-FLOW 20, which provide the necessary support to keep the fruits on the tree. Summer water stress is another critical challenge affecting avocados. BOOST UNIVERSAL, a product containing osmoprotective amino acids, helps plants cope with water stress, improving resilience under adverse conditions. Deficiencies of boron and zinc, essential for fruit development, can be corrected with MICRO PLUS. Additionally, the salinity of irrigation water, a frequent problem in areas like Málaga, can be counteracted with FULVEX 25L, a product with chelating fulvic acids that help the plant absorb nutrients without being affected by excess salt. Finally, to address harvest alternation, using BALANCE 7-7-7 post-harvest balances the tree’s load for the next season.
Observed Results in Axarquía (Málaga) and Costa Tropical (Granada)
In the regions of Axarquía and Costa Tropical, the application of biostimulants has shown significant results. Treated plots exhibited an 18% increase in kg/tree compared to untreated plots. Additionally, a 35% reduction in fruit drop was observed during June. The size of the fruits, specifically the extra size of over 300 grams, improved its proportion by 22%. Regarding post-harvest shelf life, thanks to the use of CALCIUM 40%, it was extended by 4 days, helping to improve fruit firmness and prolonging its commercialization.
Certified Organic Avocado — Expanding Market
The organic avocado market continues to expand, especially in European countries such as Germany, France, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands. The growing demand has been reflected in the interest in avocados certified under regulations such as those of CAAE in Andalusia, Ecocert, and Bio Suisse. Products from the Ecoganic line are fully compatible with EU Regulation 2018/848, ensuring that the cultivation follows the required organic practices. This type of avocado generally reaches a price between 40% and 60% higher than conventional avocado, representing a significant economic opportunity for farmers who choose to produce under organic methods.
Avocado in LATAM — Program Adaptation
In LATAM, avocado cultivation also faces unique challenges and conditions that require adaptations of the biostimulant program. In Mexico, particularly in the state of Michoacán, the avocado cycle can be different, with the possibility of two annual harvests. In Colombia, in the Antioquia region, monsoon rains impose the need to adjust product doses after precipitation events. Peru, with its coastal desert climate in La Libertad, uses drip irrigation, making fertigation a priority practice. In the southern hemisphere, countries like Chile and South Africa require specific adjustments to adapt agricultural practices to their climatic cycles.
FAQ
When is the most critical time to apply biostimulants in avocado?
The most critical time is during flowering and fruit set, moments when the yield of the harvest is determined.
Do biostimulants help against Phytophthora cinnamomi?
While biostimulants improve the overall health of the tree, an integrated disease management approach is necessary for Phytophthora cinnamomi.
Can CALCIUM 40% be mixed with phytosanitary products?
In general, it is recommended to check labels and conduct compatibility tests to avoid unwanted reactions.
Does it work the same in Hass as in other varieties?
Programs may need minor adjustments depending on the variety, but generally, the principles apply to both Hass and other varieties.
How many liters per adult tree are needed?
The amount may vary depending on the size of the tree and the stage of the cycle, approximately 5 to 10 liters per tree spread over applications throughout the year.
