Booth 7 Avocado Variety In Kenya: The Best Avocado For Coastal Regions

Many farmers in the arid and coastal regions of Kenya have been reaching out to us at Farmers Trend with a recurring question: “Which avocado variety can thrive in the coastal provinces?” This query underscores the significance of identifying avocado varieties that can withstand the unique climatic conditions of these areas, characterized by higher temperatures and distinct soil profiles.

Among the various avocado cultivars, Booth 7 has emerged as a promising choice for farmers in the coastal regions. Known for its adaptability to warm climates, Booth 7 avocado trees demonstrate resilience in the face of elevated temperatures, making them well-suited for the coastal provinces.

The variety is appreciated not only for its ability to thrive in arid conditions but also for its exceptional fruit quality. Booth 7 avocados are recognized for their creamy texture, rich flavor, and high oil content, appealing to both local and international markets.

As farmers seek to diversify their agricultural practices and capitalize on the growing demand for avocados, Booth 7 stands out as a viable and fruitful choice for those navigating the specific challenges posed by the coastal and arid environments in Kenya. In the pursuit of a thriving avocado orchard in these regions, Booth 7 presents itself as a promising solution, offering the potential for increased yields and economic prosperity for farmers in the coastal and arid regions of Kenya.

History Of Booth 7 Avocado Variety

The history of the Booth 7 avocado variety traces its roots to California, USA. Named after its original breeder, A.R. Rideout, the Booth 7 avocado was developed at the University of California, Riverside, as part of an avocado breeding program initiated in the mid-20th century. The goal was to create avocado varieties with improved characteristics, such as disease resistance, adaptability to different climates, and high-quality fruit. ts introduction to Kenya marked a turning point in the country’s avocado production, particularly in the arid and coastal regions where it has flourished.

The Booth 7 avocado’s origins can be traced back to the early 1980s when the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF) introduced it to Kenya as part of its efforts to diversify avocado cultivation beyond the traditional Fuerte and Hass varieties. ICRAF researchers recognized the Booth 7’s resilience and adaptability to Kenya’s diverse climatic conditions, particularly in the hot and dry coastal regions where other avocado varieties struggled.

The Booth 7 avocado quickly gained favor among Kenyan farmers due to its exceptional adaptability and high yields. Its ability to withstand drought and produce consistently large fruits, even under challenging conditions, made it an ideal choice for arid and coastal regions where other avocado varieties might fail.

As Booth 7 avocado production expanded in Kenya, the variety’s popularity grew among local consumers and international buyers. Its smooth, dark green skin, creamy, rich-flavored flesh, and extended shelf life made it a highly sought-after fruit. The high oil content, particularly appealing to international buyers, further enhanced its market value.

Today, the Booth 7 avocado is a staple crop in Kenya. It accounts for a significant portion of the country’s avocado exports and is a major source of income for many farmers. The variety’s resilience and adaptability have made it a symbol of Kenya’s success in avocado cultivation, demonstrating the country’s ability to produce high-quality fruits even in challenging environments.

By introducing and promoting a resilient avocado variety, ICRAF and Kenyan farmers have transformed the country’s avocado production, opening up new market opportunities and contributing to the growth of the agricultural sector.

Propagation and Cultivation of Booth 7 Avocado Variety in Kenya

The Booth 7 avocado variety is typically propagated through grafting. Grafting is a technique that joins two separate plant parts, a rootstock and a scion, to create a new plant. The rootstock provides the root system and lower stem, while the scion provides the desired characteristics, such as fruit quality and disease resistance.

Select healthy egg sized seeds and plant them in boxes or seedbeds with adequate drainage. Plant the seed with the broad side down. Immediately after germination (takes 3 to 4 weeks) transplant the seedlings into 6’ x 9’ tins, pots or polythene bags. Water them until they attain a pencil size thickness at which stage they should be grafted.

The best time to graft Booth 7 avocados is during the cooler months, typically from November to February.

The grafting process typically involves the following steps:

• Selection of Rootstock and Scion: Choose a healthy rootstock that is resistant to diseases and pests. The scion should be taken from a mature and healthy Booth 7 avocado tree.
• Preparation of Rootstock and Scion: Cut the rootstock to the desired height, typically about 6-8 inches above the ground. Cut the scion to a length of about 4-6 inches, with two to three buds.
• Grafting: Use the chosen grafting method to join the rootstock and scion.
• Wrapping and Securing: Wrap the graft union with grafting tape or grafting rubber to protect it from moisture loss and pests.
• Aftercare: Place the grafted plant in a warm, humid environment and keep it moist but not soggy. After a few weeks, the graft union should heal, and the scion will begin to grow.

Grafting Methods

1. Cleft Graft: In this method, a split is made in the rootstock, about 2-3 inches long, using a sharp knife. The split should extend to the center of the rootstock. The scion is then cut at a slant, making sure the cut is about the same width as the split in the rootstock. Insert the scion into the cleft, ensuring that the cambium layers of the rootstock and scion align.
2. Bark Graft: For this method, a vertical cut is made on the rootstock, extending from the base to about 2-3 inches upward. A flap of bark is then carefully peeled back from both sides of the cut. The scion is cut at a slant, and the exposed cambium layer is inserted under the peeled bark flaps. Secure the flap with grafting tape or rubber bands.
3. Whip and Tongue Graft: In this method, both the rootstock and scion are cut at a slant, creating a tongue-shaped cut on the rootstock and a matching notch on the scion. Carefully interlock the tongue and notch, ensuring the cambium layers align. Secure the graft union with grafting tape or rubber bands.

Site Selection and Preparation:

Booth 7 avocados thrive in well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. Adequate sunlight is crucial for optimal growth, making it essential to choose a site with good exposure to sunlight. Prior to planting, the soil should be prepared by incorporating organic matter and ensuring proper drainage to prevent waterlogging, a consideration particularly important in coastal and arid regions.

Planting:

For an acre, the plant population would be determined by the spacing. Given the planting density of 150 trees per acre, you could consider a spacing of around 5 meters between rows and 5 meters between trees within the rows. This spacing allows for the desired plant population while still providing sufficient room for canopy development, sunlight exposure, and airflow around each tree.

When planting Booth 7 avocados, incorporating organic matter into the soil is essential for optimal growth. The recommendation of one 20 kg bucket of well-rotted cow, poultry, or goat manure per planting hole is a beneficial practice. This manure provides essential nutrients, improves soil structure, and enhances water retention.

The planting hole dimensions of 2 feet by 2 feet by 2 feet are adequate for accommodating the root system of the Booth 7 avocado tree. This ensures that the roots have ample space to spread and establish themselves in the soil. Proper hole preparation is crucial, including backfilling with a mixture of the excavated soil and the organic manure.

Planting is typically done at the onset of the rainy season to facilitate the establishment of young plants. The planting hole should be spacious enough to accommodate the root system without any crowding. Careful attention should be given to the depth of planting, ensuring that the graft union remains above the soil surface.

Irrigation and Water Management:

Given that Booth 7 avocados are often cultivated in regions with variable water availability, a well-thought-out irrigation strategy is crucial. Young plants require regular watering, and as they mature, a more controlled irrigation schedule can be implemented. Drip irrigation systems are often favored for their efficiency in delivering water directly to the root zone, minimizing water wastage.

Pruning and Training:

Proper pruning and training contribute to the development of a strong and well-shaped avocado tree. In the initial years, formative pruning helps establish a sturdy scaffold structure. Ongoing pruning is necessary to manage the tree’s shape, encourage sunlight penetration, and facilitate air circulation.

Fertilization:

Booth 7 avocados benefit from a balanced fertilization regimen. A fertilizer with a formulation that includes nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, along with essential micronutrients, supports healthy growth and fruit development. The application of organic mulch around the base of the tree helps in moisture retention and gradual nutrient release.

Pest and Disease Management:

Vigilance against common avocado pests, such as mites and thrips, is crucial. Regular monitoring and prompt action, including the use of organic or chemical interventions as needed, can help mitigate potential pest issues. Additionally, Booth 7 avocados are known for their relative resistance to certain diseases, making them a favorable choice for growers seeking a robust and low-maintenance variety.

Harvesting:

Booth 7 avocados are typically ready for harvest from late spring to early summer. Harvesting is ideally done when the fruit reaches its mature size and changes color. The fruit is gently twisted or clipped from the tree, taking care to avoid damage to the stem or fruit. Once harvested, Booth 7 avocados can be stored for ripening before reaching consumers.