Damon Mcknight
Avocados are grown commercially in Western Australia, with significant production areas including Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup, and Pemberton. The avocado industry in Western Australia is experiencing significant growth, with WA contributing 25% of Australian production. The main production season runs from August through to February, and the Western Australian avocado industry is working to reduce the variation in production from season to season. Avocados are grown on a wide range of soil types and are susceptible to various diseases and pests. The Australian avocado industry has a strong political structure, with representatives from each of the producing states, and is working to increase exports to new markets.
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's avocado production areas
Western Australia is a significant contributor to the country's avocado production, accounting for 25% of the total output. The state's avocado industry is experiencing notable growth, with a farm gate value of $78 million and an estimated $120 million injected into the state's economy in the 2012/13 season.
The avocado-growing regions in Western Australia span from Carnarvon in the north to Albany in the south. The significant production areas include Carabooda and Gingin, located north of Perth, and Busselton, Manjimup, and Pemberton to the south. Smaller avocado plantings are scattered along the coast.
The Hass variety is the predominant type grown in Western Australia, accounting for more than 90% of commercial production. Other varieties cultivated in smaller quantities include Reed, Fuerte, Sharwil, Lamb Hass, Llanos Hass, and Bacon.
The main commercial season for avocado production in Western Australia typically runs from August through to February. However, due to the varying climatic conditions across the growing regions, avocados can be available all year round. The state's production cycle also exhibits an entrenched alternate bearing pattern, resulting in a cycle of heavy, light, and heavy crop seasons.
Western Australia's avocado industry is represented by Avocados Australia Limited (AAL), which works closely with growers, exporters, importers, and retailers to increase exports and develop the industry. While a significant portion of Western Australia's avocado production is sold interstate, there is a growing focus on exporting to overseas markets, including Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and New Zealand.
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Avocado types grown in Western Australia
Avocados are grown in Western Australia from Carnarvon in the north to Albany in the south. Significant production areas include Carabooda and Gingin, north of Perth, with Busselton, Manjimup and Pemberton to the south. Smaller growing areas are scattered along the coast. The main commercial season runs from August through to February. Some fruit is sold interstate and a modest but growing percentage is exported to several overseas destinations including Malaysia, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Western Australia predominantly grows the Hass variety (more than 90-95% of total commercial production), with small numbers of others including Reed, Fuerte, Sharwil, Lamb Hass, Llanos Hass and Bacon. Fuerte was the main cultivar in Australia from the 1960s through to the late 1980s but today is of lesser importance and gradually being replaced by other cultivars. Shepard is another cultivar grown in Australia, developed in California. It is a precocious, heavy-cropping, semi-dwarf tree with green pear-shaped fruit. The flesh is pale yellow when ripe with a smooth, buttery texture. Its major disadvantage is its large seed size.
Avocados are grown on a wide range of soil types from free-draining, red basaltic loams, previously supporting rainforests, to eroded coastal sand dunes. Avocado trees are highly susceptible to attack from the water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi, which causes phytophthora root rot. They are also affected by avocado sunblotch viroid and six-spotted mites, which can defoliate avocado trees.
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Avocado industry in Western Australia
The avocado industry in Western Australia is experiencing significant growth. In 2017-18, the industry produced 19,236 tonnes of avocados, contributing to 25% of Australian production. The main growing regions in Western Australia include Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup, and Pemberton, with smaller plantings scattered along the coast from Carnarvon in the north to Albany in the south. The Hass variety is the most commonly grown cultivar in Western Australia, accounting for more than 90% of production.
The industry faces challenges such as irregular bearing of trees, which can impact production levels, and diseases such as phytophthora root rot caused by the water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi. The six-spotted mite is also a pest that can defoliate avocado trees in the lower southwest of the region. To address these issues, the industry has implemented initiatives such as the Avocado Nursery Voluntary Accreditation Scheme (ANVAS) to reduce the spread of diseases like root rot and the avocado sunblotch viroid.
Western Australia's avocado production benefits from its environmental diversity, allowing for year-round fruit supply. The main production season typically runs from August to February, with the state's climatic differences ensuring a stable market. While the local market is important, 50-80% of Western Australia's avocado production is sold interstate, and a growing percentage is exported to countries like Malaysia, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
The industry is represented by organisations such as Avocados Australia Limited (AAL) and the Agricultural Produce Commission (APC). AAL collects a national levy of 7.5c/kg on all avocado fruit sold from Western Australia, which is used for research, development, and marketing. The APC collects and administers funds on behalf of member industries, which can be utilised for research and development to benefit the avocado industry. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has also played a significant role in supporting the industry and reducing its environmental impact.
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Avocado exports from Western Australia
Avocados are grown commercially in Western Australia, with significant production areas including Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup, and Pemberton. Smaller growing areas are scattered along the coast from Carnarvon in the north to Albany in the south. The state predominantly grows the Hass variety, which accounts for more than 90% of production.
The avocado industry in Western Australia is experiencing significant growth, with WA contributing 25% of Australian production. In 2017/18, the industry produced 19,236 tonnes, injecting an estimated $120 million into the state's economy. Western Australian avocados are increasingly in demand globally, with exports reaching $36.8 million in 2023-24, a surge of more than 400% from the previous year.
Asia and the Middle East are the key drivers of this increased demand, with exports to the Gulf region alone contributing to a significant jump in 2023-24. During that period, 275 tonnes of avocados, worth over $970,000, were exported to the region. This growth is attributed to the acceptance of shipments by sea and the collaboration between the Cook Government and Avocados Australia to establish Western Australia as a preferred supplier of high-quality fruit.
Avocados Australia Limited (AAL) has played a pivotal role in expanding avocado exports from Western Australia. By partnering with Austrade, AAL has successfully boosted exports to the Middle East and is actively exploring new markets in India, Japan, and Thailand. AAL's efforts have resulted in a remarkable 98% increase in avocado exports over a 12-month period.
Western Australia's avocado industry benefits from a year-round supply, enabled by the state's diverse climate and selected cultivars. This advantage, coupled with the industry's strategic initiatives and government support, positions Western Australia as a significant player in the global avocado market.
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Pests and diseases affecting avocado trees in Western Australia
Avocado trees are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, and Western Australia is no exception. The avocado industry in Western Australia has been experiencing significant growth, with the state contributing 25% of Australian production. While this growth is positive, it also means that managing pests and diseases is crucial to avoid crop losses. Here are some of the common pests and diseases affecting avocado trees in Western Australia:
- Phytophthora Root Rot: Caused by the water mould Phytophthora cinnamomi, this disease is a significant issue in Western Australia. It affects the roots of avocado trees, leading to their decline and eventual death if left untreated. Proper soil management and treatment with phosphonate fungicide are essential for controlling this disease.
- Six-spotted Mite: These mites are known to infest avocado trees in the lower south-west of Western Australia. They feed on the leaves, causing defoliation and stress to the tree. Horticultural oils can be used to treat mite infestations effectively.
- Cankers: Cankers are sores on avocado tree trunks and branches that may ooze gum and cause discolouration. While they typically affect individual branches, cankers on the trunk can be deadly for avocado trees. Pruning and removing affected limbs can help manage this disease.
- Fruit Rots: Poor sanitation and high tree stress create favourable conditions for fungal pathogens that cause fruit rots. Proper pruning and prompt removal of fruits are essential to prevent the spread of these rots.
- Borers: These insects tunnel into avocado trees to feed and lay their eggs. They target stressed trees, so maintaining tree health is a preventive measure. Infested branches should be cut out and disposed of immediately.
- Caterpillars: Caterpillars can cause substantial damage to avocado foliage, flowers, and fruits. Spraying with Bacillus thuringiensis is an effective control measure, especially when targeting caterpillars inside protective nests.
- Lace Bugs: Lace bugs are intermittent pests of avocado trees, causing damage similar to that of mites. Leaves infested with lace bugs may also turn bronze. Horticultural oils are recommended for treating lace bug infestations.
- Thrips: Thrips are not as damaging to the trees themselves but can leave unsightly scars on the fruits. Careful pruning and fertilizing can help prevent thrips infestations, and affected fruits can be treated with horticultural oil or pyrethrin.
- Fruit-spotting Bugs: These pests are prevalent in Queensland avocado-growing areas and can also be found in Western Australia. They sting the fruit at all developmental stages, causing damage. Regular spraying with registered insecticides is necessary to control their populations.
Overall, avocado trees in Western Australia face a range of pests and diseases that require constant management and preventive measures. By staying vigilant and employing appropriate control strategies, avocado growers in the region can maintain the health of their trees and contribute to the thriving industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Avocados are grown commercially in Western Australia from Carnarvon in the north to Albany in the south.
Significant avocado production areas in Western Australia include Gingin, Carabooda, Busselton, Manjimup, and Pemberton.
Western Australia predominantly grows the Hass variety, which accounts for more than 90% of commercial production.
The main production season for avocados in Western Australia typically runs from August through to February.
Yes, a growing percentage of avocados from Western Australia are exported to various destinations, including Malaysia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and other countries in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
