Luna topwork trees coming on...

During the rapid growth of Maluma we realised one of the key strategic growth points for new cultivars is the ability to topwork old unproductive or uneconomical orchards to new cultivars.

The photos below show recent photos taken of topworked stumps with Luna Budds now bearing to produce the new cultivar. The critical reason Allesbeste is currently doing this is to rapidly increase the pace at which the cultivar can be commercially released to its growers. With Order books open to the new cultivar. We need growers to actively experience the yield on trees and introduce our own commercial blocks to lead by example. Showcasing the full potential of the cultivar. Topworking trees is an acknowledged method to fast-track orchard conversion faster than planting new trees. Growth from these stumps also introduces much faster shoot growth and tree differentiation when compared to trees planted during the same time.

The following is a summary of the key advantages of topworking to the grower:

1. Faster return to full production. Removing trees and redoing full orchards and replanting takes significantly more time. After 18 months, trees are generally in 40-80% yield and often back in full yield within two to 3 years.

2. Often, rootstocks are still good; however, cultivar selections did not work out, which allows for rapid change to new cultivars

3. Yield data is quick to assist in future cultivar selection and possible changes

Caution before topworking:

1. Ensure a reputable grafting team does the work

2. Really good aftercare is critical to low graft losses and high success rates

3. The optimal grafting period for us in South Africa is generally during the rainy season. This also optimises on following yield

4. The success of topwork orchards is very much based on experience and aftercare.

Why are we rushing to make this happen?

1. Bringing full commercial yield numbers to you faster

2. Export commercial yields as soon as possible

3. Have commercial blocks yielding while new tree orders are produced and planted in our orchards

4. Optimising internally on graftwood / budwood availability.

Extra reading on Luna as a cultivar.

• https://news.ucr.edu/articles/2023/10/24/luna-ucr-avocado-one-times-2023-best-inventions

• https://www.klarenbach.ca/blog/new-avocado-variety-luna-ucr-set-to-revolutionize-harvesting-and-market-appeal

• https://www.greenmotionavocados.com/lunaucr/

To enquire about Luna or other tree orders, kindly complete the form on the website link below. Once on the Nursery website, scroll down to the form at the bottom of the nursery page.

https://www.allesbeste.com/allesbeste-nursery

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