This section contains useful tips and information for new California avocado growers. A more robust archive of cultural management practices can be found in the Cultural Management Library.

Importance of Identifying Weeds

  • Jan 18, 2019

Before growers implement a weed management program, it’s important to identify the weeds in order to optimize the strategies and timing of weed control measures. Learn more about common members of the Asteraceae (sunflower) plant family that are found throughout agricultural regions of California.

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Reduce Heat Illness Risk for Employees

  • Aug 16, 2018

California law requires that employers address workplace hazards in order to protect their employees. With recent temperatures and humidity soaring, it is important that employers take special precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses from occurring

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Best Practices for California Avocado Groves Impacted by Excessive Heat

  • Aug 16, 2018

For groves affected by excessive heat, it's important California avocado growers assess the damage to the trees and then take the necessary precautions to limit further damage. 

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Preparing California Avocado Groves for Winter

  • Sep 23, 2013

Because avocado trees are tropical rainforest trees, they are active year-round — and that means cultural management of avocado groves is necessary throughout the year. In fall, growers should prepare avocado groves for winter weather events, flush out accumulated salts, and apply pruning techniques and fertilization for optimal spring performance.

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Checking Soil Moisture in Avocado Groves

  • Aug 23, 2013

Irrigating California avocado trees can be challenging for several reasons. Avocado trees are heavy users of water but they have a shallow feeder root system located primarily in the top six inches of soil that are prone to drying out. The feeder roots also have very few root hairs, thus making them inefficient at absorbing water. Hillside groves with decomposed granite drain well, but they drain...

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Avocado Grove Soil Salinity 101

  • Aug 14, 2013

Understanding soil salinity and irrigation are key concepts to successful avocado grove management because poor avocado yields are often caused by under-irrigation and/or high soil salinity. 

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