- Author: Therese Kapaun
Sixty young avocado trees were recently planted in the avocado block at Lindcove REC. Dr. Mary Lu Arpaia (UCANR, CE Subtropical Horticulturist) is introducing new varieties that may show promise for growers in the San Joaquin Valley. Commercial avocado is typically grown in temperate and coastal climatic zones, and is generally intolerant of the long hot summers and occasional freezing spells of this area.
Lindcove is one of four sites chosen for this trial, which aims to evaluate new varieties of commercial potential. Trees will be evaluated for vigor, flowering characteristics, and tolerance to cold and heat. Fruit will be evaluated for yield, maturity date, and postharvest quality.
The trial began in 2011 with 45 trees of three varieties, and new plantings each year have increased the size of the block to 222 trees of eleven varieties. Dr. Arpaia's project is funded by the California Avocado Commission.