Avocado Production in Asia and the Pacific - United Nations in ...

Firstly, the avocado can be found growing all over the country. This is due to the
introduction of several varieties belonging to the three different avocado races, giving the
crop a wide range of soil and climatic adaptability. At present, most of the trees are grown
from seeds, thus a wide variation in plant and fruit characters exists which gives a good
opportunity for selection of superior trees.
Secondly, the avocado has a long fruiting season. In the Philippines, the peak of the
fruiting season is from May to September, although some trees in certain localities fruit from
January to March. Therefore, a survey of existing plantings and backyard trees should be
conducted in order to determine their potential range in flowering and fruiting so as to have
an extended production season. Also, by planting varieties which bear fruits at different
times of the year, it may be possible to have a year-round supply of avocado fruits.
Thirdly, the avocado is one of the most nutritious and versatile fruits in the world. It
is the ideal fruit for the diabetic and anaemic people. It can be eaten alone, as a dessert fruit,
as ice-cream flavouring, as salad fruit, as sandwich filling, as a dip or as a soup ingredient.
The leaves and the seeds have several medicinal uses. If Filippinos are properly educated on
the varied uses of the avocado and if they could acquire the taste for the fruit, then the
avocado could be very promising for the domestic market. In addition, export markets for
the fruit could be developed.
Lastly, the avocado can be propagated vegetatively with ease, and this is a plus factor
in its development. In the country, grafting and shield-budding are used for large-scale
propagation although it can also be propagated by marcotting and inarching.
9. CONSTRAINTS IN AVOCADO PRODUCTION DEVELOPMENT
In the Philippines, the avocado has not yet attained the popularity enjoyed by other
fruits like mango, banana and pineapple. This is due to the following limiting factors and
constraints:
Social constraints
In the Philippines, the avocado is mainly used as a dessert fruit. It is often eaten with
milk and sugar but never as a component of a vegetable salad as in other countries. This is
because the avocado lacks the sweet or subacid flavour present in mango, banana and
pineapple to which the Filipino palate has been accustomed. Furthermore, Filippinos are not
aware of the varied uses and excellent nutritional value of the fruit. Therefore,
advertisements and a strong promotional campaign on the different uses of the avocado
should be carried out in order to change the perception and eating habits of Filippinos
regarding the avocado.
Supply of certified planting materials
At present, in the Philippines there are three varieties of avocado (Parker, RCF Purple
and Cepillo Green) approved by the National Seed Industry Council, a government body
with the task to approve crop varieties for registration. In addition, one introduced variety
(Cardinal) and five outstanding local varieties (Calma, Uno, 240, 226 and Lopena), which
have been selected from seedling trees, are recommended for cultivation. However, these
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