Peru has adapted a Hass avocado variety that can produce high yields and quality fruit in tough soil conditions, the Ministry of Agriculture (MINAG) has announced.

The National Institute for Agrarian Innovation (INIA) used clonal technology on the Duke 7 cultivar to produce an early grafting rootstock which can overcome problems of salinity, high carbonate levels and fungi.

INIA director general Enrique La Hoz, said the development would help small producers grow avocadoes which met international export standards.

He said the country's soaring exports were due to a 260% increase in cultivated land with more than 25,000 hectares devoted to avocado plantations.

INIA fruit specialist Juan Loayza, said the Institute had also managed to discover the best time for harvesting Hass avocadoes.

"We have determined when to start harvesting by analyzing the proportions of moisture and oil contained in the pulp of the avocado," he said.

Loayza said that for exporting it was crucial to know the extent of ripeness and ship fruit before it had reached full maturity.

MINAG  said the technology could be applied to all avocado-producing areas in the country.

Photo: Minag

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