Proc. of Second World Avocado Congress 1992 p. 374

 

On-Going Research Testing the Efficacy of Using Urea to Increase Flowering, Fruit Set, and Yield in Avocado

 

Carol J. Lovatt

Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA

 

Howard D. Ohr

Department of Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA

 

Bob Needham

Pacific Pest Control, P.O. Box 5106, Oxnard, CA 93031, USA

 

Charles A. Hanson

Field Agricultural Chemical Technical Service, Inc., Box 9303, Whittier, CA 90408, USA

 

Steven L. Purcell

Unocal Chemicals Division, Unocal Corporation, 3960 Industrial Blvd., Suite 600B, West Sacramento, CA 95691, USA

 

Steven Spangler

Unocal Chemicals Division, Unocal Corporation, 2004 North Fine, Suite 101, Fresno, CA 93727, USA

 

Guy W. Witney

Cooperative Extension, University of California, 21150 Box Springs Road, Moreno Valley, CA 92387, USA

 

 

Abstract. The rationale for three areas of on-going research will be presented.

(1) We are testing the potential use of urea applied to the roots to increase flowering and, thus, fruit set and yield in avocado.

 

(2) In collaboration with Dr. Howard Ohr, Cooperative Extension Plant Pathologist, University of California, Riverside, and Dr. Guy Witney, Cooperative Extension Farm Advisor, Moreno Valley, CA, we are examining the efficacy of using urea and/or boron sprays on developing floral shoots to increase ovule longevity and pollen tube growth, respectively, to increase fruit set and yield of avocado.

 

(3) In collaboration with Bob Needham of Pacific Pest Control, Charles Hanson of Field Agricultural Chemical Technical Service, Inc., and Steve Purcell and Steve Spangler of Unocal Corporation, we are quantifying the uptake of urea applied to avocado leaves at different stages of development.