Yield and fruit quality of avocado grown at different planting densities in Colombia

Abstract

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of planting densities on the yield and quality of 'Hass' avocado (Persea americana) in the department of Antioquia, Colombia. The experimental design was randomized complete blocks with three replicates. The treatments were six plant densities (204, 278, 333, 400, 625, and 816 trees per hectare) with five harvest seasons, and each experimental unit consisted of six nine-year-old trees. The highest fruit yield is obtained at 333 and 400 trees per hectare. The main harvest represents 70% (18 Mg ha^-1) of the annual production, whereas the secondary (mitaca) harvest represents 30% (5.25 Mg ha^-1). Yield per tree and number of avocado fruits per tree are negatively affected by the increase in planting densities. In addition, fruit quality parameters show better results at intermediate planting densities of 333 and 400 trees per hectare, with the highest ratios of mesocarp and the lowest of seed, both in fresh and dry weight.