Clonal Avocados: agricultural innovation in colombian orchards

In avocado farming, one of the greatest challenges is Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soil-borne fungus that attacks the tree’s roots, severely limiting its ability to absorb water and nutrients—and significantly reducing its productivity.

To address this issue, Colombia has begun exploring the development of clonal avocados: a modern and promising alternative to overcome the limitations of conventional production methods.

Unlike traditional cultivation through grafting or seed propagation, clonal trees are propagated from plant material that has been carefully selected for its superior characteristics, such as:

• Genetic uniformity,

• Strong adaptability to specific soil and climate conditions,

• And greater tolerance to soil-borne diseases such as Phytophthora.

While large-scale implementation is still being evaluated, this technology has sparked growing interest across various avocado-producing regions in Colombia. It is emerging as a key tool for advancing toward a more efficient, sustainable, and resilient agriculture.

Why is this relevant?

The development of clonal avocados in Colombia marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s agricultural practices, aiming to boost productivity without compromising soil health or ecological balance.