Topic: Mature Avo

Hi all, I am new to the site…..have 2 mature avo trees, variety unknown, over 20 feet, prob 7-8 years old and prob. from seed. We have only been here in Kau two years, but neighbors tell both trees WERE great producers, but for us nothing in two years…..I have started fertilizing with dolomite and 10-30-10 with AG65…every four months or so…..still nothing…..NOW it is dropping all leaves…barely a handful left….they brown at the edges and fall….

Both are well pruned, get full sun over 50% of the day…we have wind of course, but as yet there have been no blossoms to blow away……..I hate to consider chopping down, but if its not going to produce fruit…well I should start over.


Any advice appreciated…I love Avo and want some of my own!!

missi

Hi Missi,

Welcome to the site.

The leaf symptom - brown at the edges - is common for avocado in Hawaii and can indicate potassium deficiency.

But you have fertilized. It is possible that you applied too much fertilizer, which caused root rot which resulted in the marginal leaf necrosis and defoliation. There could, of course, be other problems involved.

Personally, I do not think that you need to apply the dolomite (and fertilizer) every 4 months to avocado. But I do not know how much you apply or where/how you apply it.

I also do not know how rapidly the plant dropped the leaves. A relatively rapid leaf drop could indicate root rot.

Scot