Effect of Sampling Time, Quantification Method, and Tree Sample Pooling on Root Quantities in South African Avocado Orchards.

is a destructive soilborne pathogen causing Phytophthora root rot on avocados worldwide. Little is known about the effect of root sampling time, root quantification method (quantitative real-time PCR [qPCR] versus baiting), and tree sample pooling strategies on the quantification of the pathogen in roots in avocado orchard trees. This was investigated in six avocado orchards in two climatically different production regions (Mooketsi and Letaba) in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, over a 2-year period.

Effect of eucalyptus wood-based compost application rates on soil chemical properties in semi-organic avocado plantations, Limpopo province, South Africa.

Mixing different types of organic matters to form a compound compost can be useful in both short-and long-term improvement of soil chemical properties. However, effects of such composts on soil chemical properties are unknown. A 3-year field study was done to determine the effects of eucalyptus wood-based compost on selected chemical properties of soils at Mooketsi and Politsi avocado orchards, Limpopo Province, South Africa.