Hawaii's Gardens Require an Avocado Tree for Tropical Landscaping
In the lush landscapes of Hawaii, avocado trees have been a cherished part of the local ecosystem for centuries. Originating as a native American fruit, these trees were growing wild in various regions at the time of Columbus' arrival, and their cultivation in Hawaii dates back over a hundred years. However, the avocado industry in Hawaii faces several challenges, including the recent emergence of the avocado lace bug.
Grafted avocado trees begin to bear fruit in just two years, making them a quick-growing crop compared to seedlings, which may take seven to twelve years to bear fruit. Yet, even after more than a century of culture in Hawaii, there is no one variety or set of varieties that is wholly satisfactory. The flowering of avocado trees opens and closes twice, behaving as a female flower first, then a male flower.
The avocado lace bug (Pseudacysta perseae) is a pest that has recently caused concern among farmers. This bug, first noted in December 2019 on Oahu, has spread throughout Hawaii Island in 2021. Lace bug infestations can reduce crop yields and may even kill trees weakened by other stresses.
While current search results do not detail the specific natural predators of the avocado lace bug in Hawaii, general biological control of lace bugs elsewhere often involves natural enemies such as lacewing larvae, predatory beetles, and parasitic wasps, which can reduce lace bug populations. In Hawaii, integrated pest management often includes encouraging natural enemies like generalist predators (e.g., lacewings, ladybird beetles) and sometimes parasitoids to manage lace bug populations. The success of these natural predators can be moderate but often requires careful habitat management and sometimes supplemental pest control methods.
Other challenges faced by avocado farmers in Hawaii include premature leaf loss and sunburn on exposed fruit, both of which affect the quality of the crop. Avocado trees are well-suited for Kona's climate and well-drained soils in rainy regions, but they require good drainage to thrive. Interplanting of two or three varieties of avocado trees is a very important practice, as it helps to diversify the crop and reduce the impact of pests and diseases.
Despite these challenges, the avocado industry in Hawaii continues to thrive. Local favorites like Yamagata, Murashige, Ohata, and Kahaluu are grown alongside commercial varieties such as Sharil. University of Hawaii entomologists had hoped for a better season due to natural predators reducing the lace bug population, and it appears that the damage from the avocado lace bug is on the decline.
Avocado fruit are a healthy source of fats, high in vitamins and minerals, and contain no cholesterol. They can be left on the tree for some weeks after they first mature with comparatively little dropping. Farmers are advised to plant avocado trees at any season of the year, but spring is the best time for planting.
As the avocado industry in Hawaii continues to evolve, farmers and researchers will work together to address the challenges posed by pests like the avocado lace bug and ensure the sustainability of this valuable crop for future generations.
- Incorporating integrated pest management strategies, such as encouraging natural predators like lacewings and ladybird beetles, can help manage the population of the avocado lace bug in Hawaii.
- Avocado trees require good drainage to thrive, making them well-suited for Kona's climate and well-drained soils in rainy regions.
- In addition to commercial varieties like Sharil, local favorites like Yamagata, Murashige, Ohata, and Kahaluu are also grown in Hawaii's avocado industry.
- A healthy diet can benefit from the inclusion of avocados, which are a good source of fats, high in vitamins and minerals, and contain no cholesterol.
- Implementing interplanting of multiple avocado tree varieties can help diversify the crop and reduce the impact of pests and diseases, improving the sustainability of the avocado industry in Hawaii.
