Peru could lose between 55 and 70% of its areas suitable for avocado cultivation in 2050 due to climate change

The study specifically analyzed how avocado growing conditions will change by 2050. According to projections from various climate models, Peru, the Dominican Republic and Indonesia could lose between 55 and 70% of their areas suitable for cultivation, as the avocado production is conditioned to minimum average temperatures and certain annual rainfall; in other words, both too wet and too dry climates are incompatible with crop growth. In Peru, avocado requires a maximum temperature of 24 to 26°C and radiation must be below 1,000 watts. At another extreme, the researchers projected that some regions at the extreme north and south of current growing areas would become more suitable for avocado production. "In some parts of the world, such as sub-Saharan Africa, avocado cultivation can also benefit from increased rainfall," they maintain. Currently, avocado is one of the most representative products of the Peruvian export basket. Only ...