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April 26th, 2022 - Excess Flowering

Whitewash application:


For a successful application, its recommendable that:

1.- Make a mixture of 50% white latex paint and 50% water.

2.- Stir the mixture with a stick (or better yet, a drill with a paint mixer) until it’s combined and smooth.

3.- Lightly brush off the truck to remove soil or any debris that might get in the way of the paint.

4.- Apply the paint evenly on the main trunk and branches trying to avoid painting the leaves. Use a generous amount in order to cover the area very well. A few leafs will get painted, that is ok.

5.- Let the paint dry up and apply extra paint if needed. *Make sure you do not over spray the tree, the application should be a “light treatment”. Heavy applications can cause a delay/stunt tree growth until the paint wears off (which is months unless it rains) due to a lack of photosynthesis.

We have seen in a few cases that young avocado trees can experience trouble with excessive bloom. Some trees drop their mature leaves before the young leaves have fully developed. This is particularly notable in the Gem variety that can flower profusely during its early years causing defoliation. The trees will usually recover when given proper care.

In cases where the defoliation threatens the life of a young tree, a good intervention Is the application of whitewash in order to prevent sun damage to the newly exposed branches. With less radiation surface as a result of whitewash, water requirements might change so care should be taken in terms of irrigation.