In recent weeks, there has been a significant decrease in the caliber of the Peruvian avocado, especially in the north of the country, which has resulted in significant economic losses for producers. According to Elizabeth Miranda, production advisor of Vivero Los Viñedos, the predominant sizes in the north this season are calibers 26, 28, and 30. These sizes, which account for 60% to 70% of the production, are considered small and of lower commercial value.
This problem is not exclusive to northern Peru; producers in the south also face similar challenges, although to a lesser extent. As a strategy, some farmers only harvested the largest avocado, leaving the smallest fruits on the tree hoping their size increases by July or August, when prices tend to improve.
The reduction in calibers has directly impacted yields by up to -50% over the previous season, Miranda added. As a result, the price of the largest fruit -the most demanded by consumers- has remained high in international markets such as the United States, Europe, and Asia.
The most adverse factor affecting the current production is the weather, particularly excess radiation that forces plants to divert their resources to emergency metabolic routes to ensure survival. Miranda recommends carrying out specific applications only in the most vulnerable phenological stages of the avocado, such as flowering and curdling, followed by fruit filling, to mitigate the plants' energy expenditure.
Source: agraria.pe