Delayed harvest effects on yield, fruit size and starch cycling in avocado ( Persea americana Mill.) in subtropical environments. I. the early-maturing cv. Fuerte

Abstract

Effects of delayed harvest were investigated in ‘Fuerte’ avocado over six consecutive seasons at Childers, S.E. Queensland, a warm subtropical environment conducive to high mean yields exceeding 20 t ha −1. Early harvesting of fruit at 21 and 24% flesh dry matter (DM) resulted in highest cumulative and average yield (21.5 t ha −1 year −1). A harvest delay of ca. 2 months, until flesh DM reached 30%, reduced average annual yield by 26% and initiated an alternate bearing cycle. Early harvest of half the crop and late harvest of the remainder did not significantly reduce yield. Wood starch concentrations from trunks and bearing shoots fluctuated seasonally but could not be related to harvest treatment. Harvesting late led to significantly larger fruit in three of the six seasons.