New Zealand discovers new avocado variety, self-pollinating and resistant to Phytophthora

Published 2025년 8월 12일

Tridge summary

The discoverer of the variety, Harry Pearson, introduced that he found the fruit tree in a property he purchased. Prior to this, he himself had not successfully grown avocados; it was the previous owner who planted the avocado seedlings several years before selling the property.

Harry named the variety Harricado after himself. The fruit has a smooth skin with a creamy texture. It can self-pollinate during growth, with a fine, dense, and fiberless flesh, and a unique nutty aftertaste.

Harricado is more cold-tolerant than ordinary avocados and is believed to be resistant to Phytophthora. Pearson is a member of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA) and is currently providing cuttings to members across New Zealand to test its adaptability to extreme climate conditions. Pearson stated that he has given up applying for a plant patent for this variety, and currently, it is only available for use by NZTCA members.

Phytophthora can cause avocado root rot, which is considered the most severe soil-borne disease affecting avocado growth and a major hazard currently hindering the sustainable and healthy development of the avocado industry in our country. In avocado orchards in Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Fujian, Yunnan, and other regions of our country, the main diseases affecting avocados include root rot, anthrax, and leaf spot disease.

Original content

The discoverer of the variety, Harry Pearson, introduced that he found the fruit tree in a property he purchased. Prior to this, he himself had not successfully grown avocados; the former owner had planted the avocado sapling several years before selling the property. Harry named the variety Harricado after himself. The fruit has a smooth skin with a creamy texture. It can self-pollinate during growth, with a fine, dense, and fiberless flesh, and a unique nutty aftertaste. Harricado is more cold-resistant than ordinary avocados and is believed to be able to resist Phytophthora. Pearson is a member of the New Zealand Tree Crops Association (NZTCA) and is currently providing cuttings to members across New Zealand to test its adaptability to extreme climate conditions. Pearson stated that he has given up applying for a plant patent for the variety, and currently, the variety is only available to NZTCA members. Phytophthora can cause avocado root rot, which is considered the most ...
Source: Foodmate

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