Avocado trials
In a trial in South Africa Hass variety avocado seedlings were grafted onto Bounty rootstock and transplanted into 5-litre Air-Pot containers. 18 months later a healthy and fibrous root system had developed, and the young trees were ready to be transplanted into 12-litre Air-Pot containers. The trees then put on much faster growth than those grown in bags and started producing flowers.
Avocado trees that are grown in bags have a limited nursery period of 12-18 months before they need to be transplanted. If the trees remain in the bags beyond this period, their roots become deformed, which can seriously affect their lifespan in the orchard. In the event of a client cancelling an order, the trees become worthless. The healthy roots on Air-Pot grown avocado trees allow them to remain in the nursery longer. In case of a cancelled order, the trees need not be discarded. Instead, they can be grown up to the production phase, resulting in an increase in their value.
The trial is ongoing and we will be able to post more information in due course.