In Tanzania, the burgeoning avocado industry stands at a crossroads, with the potential to significantly boost the economy. However, the path to prosperity is fraught with challenges, particularly when it comes to the quality of seedlings. A recent study conducted by Nugwa F. Bugudole from the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute sheds light on the current state of avocado grafting practices and the quality of propagules in relation to established certification standards.
The research, which spanned three key regions—Morogoro, Mbeya, and Njombe—analyzed the practices of 90 randomly selected avocado seedling growers. What the findings reveal is both encouraging and concerning. On one hand, a staggering 98.9% of growers adhered to the recommended nursery isolation distances, a crucial factor in preventing disease spread. On the flip side, only 37.8% of those surveyed followed the guidelines for rootstock diameter, which is essential for ensuring robust plant growth.
“The adherence to recommended practices varies widely among growers,” Bugudole noted. “While some are making strides, others are lagging behind, which could undermine the overall quality of avocado production in the country.”
The study also highlighted alarming rates of pathogenic fungal presence in potting soil, with 37.8% testing positive for Phytophthora cinnamomi and 33.3% for Fusarium oxysporum. These pathogens can wreak havoc on avocado trees, resulting in diminished yields and financial losses for farmers. The need for better education and extension services is clear, as many growers are still using unsterilized grafting equipment and selecting scions from orchards older than the recommended age of seven years.
The economic implications of these findings cannot be overstated. With avocados being a promising cash crop, the quality of seedlings directly influences marketability and profitability. If growers can improve adherence to the Tanzania Official Seed Certification Institute’s standards, the avocado sector could see a significant boost in both production and export potential.
Bugudole emphasized the importance of these standards for the future of the industry: “Enhancing the quality of avocado seedlings is not just about meeting certification requirements; it’s about ensuring that our farmers can compete in a global market.”
As Tanzania aims to position itself as a key player in the avocado export market, the insights from this research could pave the way for future developments in agricultural practices. This study, published in “Cogent Food & Agriculture,” underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions that will elevate the standards of avocado seedling production, ultimately benefiting the farmers and the economy alike.