hass avocados
From origin regions of Africa
Hass Avocados flowers at around October & are mature for picking between June to September. It is important to know how to identify the correct harvesting period because avocados are harvested raw & ripen off the tree.
Since most varieties do not change colour on maturity, a few fruits should be picked and stored at room temperature for 7-10 days. If they soften without shrivelling, then the fruit is ready for harvesting.- Post-harvest: The following treatment, processing & packaging methods should be used to prolong shelf life.
- Pre-cooling: -After harvesting, avocadoes must be cooled as quickly as possible to the optimum storage temperature of 5oC for Fuerte and Hass varieties; within 5 h of harvesting.
- Hot Water Treatment: This treatment is used to kill fungal spores on and in the skin of the fruit. The avocadoes should be immersed in water heated to a temperature of 50°C for 3-5 min. Treatment of fruit using fungicides such as Bavistin (Carbendazim) & Sporta K Brochlura z improves the effectiveness of this treatment.
- Grading & Packaging: Avocado fruits are graded according to size & weight. Injured and diseased fruits should be removed. The fruits are packed as per the orders & quality standards in 4 kg cartons after all debris, soil & foreign particles are removed using a water bath. This water must be changed periodically to avoid cross contamination. A fungicidial treatment (Thiabendazole) at 300 ml per 100 L of water is used. The fruits are waxed, & dried in hot air. Avocado fruits are stored in cold storage (5°C).
Growing Hass in Uganda
Investing in Hass avocado farming is a wise choice for anyone considering agriculture as a business venture, regardless of their current income level. This is due to its low risk, minimal input costs, ease of maintenance, and the availability of a global market.
Hass avocados typically reach maturity after two years, and a single mature tree has the potential to yield over 3000 fruits (equivalent to 500 kilograms) when managed properly. For optimal production, an acre of land can accommodate approximately 166 trees, spaced at 6x4 meters, with an estimated yield of over 450,000 fruits (or 75,000 kilograms). While avocados are relatively resistant to drought, they thrive best with well-distributed rainfall ranging from 1000 to 1200 millimeters. Additionally, they require well-drained soils to prevent root rot, with sandy or alluvial loams being the most suitable, maintaining a pH level between 5 and 7.Planting Seasons/Seedling Bookings
In Uganda, there are two planting seasons: February to June and July to December. The best time for perennial crops is the first season, benefiting from both rains. Land preparation for February-April planting starts early, without plowing if not intercropping.
Orders for seedlings are taken three months before planting, with early bookings receiving discounts. Contact us for orders at +256 200 912 274 or email us on admin@platinumccwlinks.com
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If you have any questions or would like to explore business opportunities with Platinum Links, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can meet your commodity trading needs.
- A-03 Kingsgate Mall Plot No.117-118 Gaba Road, Kabalagala
- +256 200 912 274