Preventing the introduction and spread of pathogens in intensive avocado cultivation is of major importance to secure the health of the plants and accompanying yield. Roam Technology’s outstanding biocidal product, Huwa-San, provides an ideal solution to this, and can be used throughout the life cycle of an avocado: from plant growth to consumption of the fruit.

Avocado 1

The challenge

Fungi such as Phytophtora spp. and Sphaceloma persea pose a major threat at every step of the avocado cultivation and post-harvest step, and can have a significant impact on the yield and shelf life of the fruits. Therefore, an effective disinfectant that can be used throughout the complete cycle is crucial. At an avocado grower in Guatemala, the application of Huwa-San TR-50 in the irrigation water, and as a spray application both during the cultivation and post-harvest was utilized to reduce the loss due to fungal infections and increase the fruits’ shelf life.

First, the addition of 0.2% Huwa-San TR-50 in the irrigation water once at the start of the cultivation reduced the loss of plants by more than 16%, from more than 17% to less than 1% (Fig. 1). Moreover, during cultivation, the spraying of 0.4% Huwa-San TR-50 every 2 weeks reduced the loss of fruits completely (Fig. 2).

 

avocado graph 1
Fig. 1: Percentage of plants infected by Phytophtora spp. before and after Huwa-San TR-50 dosing at the start of the cultivation season.
avocado graph 2
Fig. 2: Percentage of fruits compromised by Sphaceloma persea before and after spraying Huwa-San TR-50 every 2 weeks.
Avocado 2

Lastly, Huwa-San TR-50 was also used post-harvest to increase the shelf life from distribution to consumption. 0.1% Huwa-San TR-50 was sprayed onto the avocado’s immediately after harvest, and this prolonged the lifespan and quality of the fruits notably.

Used products

Huwa-San TR-50 is a registered biocide. Use biocides safely. Before use, read the label and product information.

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A Youngplant Breeder, with an establishment in California (USA), noticed loss in their production and dealt with quality issues of the plant material.