Avocado Seedling Production

Lack of technical production skills has led to low quality avocados which cannot be marketed. This research was carried out to determine the effect of seed size on graft take and scion growth and development of avocado seedlings (using the local varieties as rootstock) on 5: 2:2:1 (Topsoil: Compost: Coconut fiber: Gravel) media under green house conditions. The effect of rootstock diameter on scion (Hass) growth and development of avocado seedlings was determined. The experiment was planted in a completely randomized design with three replications containing three plants per replication with seed size (large, Medium and Small) and rootstock diameter being important factors. Quantitative data on stem diameter was recorded before grafting. Scions that had 3 buds were used. Time to produce buds, number of buds produced and growth vigor was measured. Data was subjected to Analysis of Variance using Gens tat software and mean separation done by Duncan's multiple range test. In conclusion mass propagation of Hass avocado seedlings can be achieved using medium to large seeds due to quicker graft take, scion growth and development.