Theoretical and applied aspects of avocado yield as affected by energy budgets and carbon partitioning

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Average yields of avocado orchards are low when compared with those of other fleshy fruits, although higher than those of nut-bearing trees. Fruit yield in tree crops is affected by many complex, interacting factors, but the final analysis is determined by seasonal photosynthetic efficiency, and more particularly by the 'harvest index'. The latter is a measure of the proportion of photosynthate which is partitioned to the fruit. Cannell (1985) states that it is now a truism that man has increased yield mainly by increasing the harvest index of crops.