Avocado, as well as citrus trees, produce an
abundance of bloom. But only a fraction of those flowers remain to produce
fruit. Furthermore, after the fruit is set, some
premature fruit drop will occur; it is the natural thinning process.
Yet any stress occurring during the time of bloom and young fruit development, will cause additional fruit drop. These stresses include too much water, not enough water, nutrient deficiencies, vog (volcano emissions), and a few days of sudden high temperatures. Heavy rains during the bloom period can also contribute to low or no fruit set. Since pollination is principally by bees, a lack of them will also add to poor fruit set.
Yet any stress occurring during the time of bloom and young fruit development, will cause additional fruit drop. These stresses include too much water, not enough water, nutrient deficiencies, vog (volcano emissions), and a few days of sudden high temperatures. Heavy rains during the bloom period can also contribute to low or no fruit set. Since pollination is principally by bees, a lack of them will also add to poor fruit set.
In addition,
avocado trees are categorized according to their flower type, either “A” type or
“B” type flowers. When only trees of the
same flower type are planted together, they will produce fruit. However, when
the opposite flower type is planted nearby, production is increased. Having both flower types in a commercial
orchard is important. In a neighborhood setting, a high probability exists that a tree with an
opposite flower type will be in the area.
Also note that avocados will produce a heavy set of
fruit one year and usually rest the next by producing a lighter set.
If trees are
a grafted variety, they should begin to produce in three to four years, while
avocado seedlings (non-grafted) will take much longer to produce, perhaps seven
to ten years.
