College - Author 1

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

Department - Author 1

Agricultural Education and Communication Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Agricultural Science

Date

6-2020

Primary Advisor

Megan Silcott, College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences, Agricultural Education and Communication Department

Abstract/Summary

Avocados have been one of California’s specialty crops for quite some time now. The industry has been motivating growers to implement the best management practices to ensure stable and increased production as much as they possibly can. California is the leading state in the country for avocado production. In 2019, California alone produced 109 tons of avocados (US Department of Agriculture, 2020). Unfortunately, root rot has made it a challenge to do so.

Root rot is a disease derived from the Phytophthora cinnamomi pathogen. This is an issue for avocado production worldwide. In efforts to find a method of decreasing the probability of root rot affecting the avocados, Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences (CAFES) is conducting an avocado rootstock trial run by the Horticultural and Crop Science (HCS) Department. At Radio Tower on campus, several trees have already been infected with the disease. The plan is to rip the infected trees out and install rootstock from different growers to evaluate which are most resistant.

The author’s role in the project is creating the handouts and an article with information explaining the trial. If faculty or staff were to be asked or addressed about avocado trees being ripped out or the trial, they can refer to the material the author has developed. Materials developed will be used to educate the public about Cal Poly’s research and actions in the avocado grove.

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