The Cultivation of Avocado Good morning everyone. My name is [your name], and today I’m going to talk about the cultivation of avocado, one of the most popular and valuable fruits in the world, isn’t it? The word avocado comes from the Nahuatl word ahuacatl, which means “testicle,” because of its shape. Interesting, isn’t it? The avocado is native to Mesoamerica, and the most common variety grown today is the Hass avocado, which has a rough skin and a creamy texture. The cultivation of avocado requires special conditions. The tree grows best in warm and subtropical climates, where the temperature ranges between 16 and 26 degrees Celsius. It can’t stand frost, can it? The soil should be deep, well-drained, and rich in organic matter. The ideal pH is between 5.5 and 7, which helps the roots absorb nutrients properly. Farmers usually plant avocados using grafted trees instead of seeds, to ensure high-quality fruits. The planting is done at the beginning of the rainy season so the roots can adapt to the soil. The trees start to produce fruit after three to five years, which takes some patience, doesn’t it? Water is very important in this process. The avocado tree needs regular irrigation, but too much water can damage the roots, can’t it? That’s why farmers often use drip irrigation systems, which save water and keep the soil moisture balanced. Natural fertilizers are also used to make the trees stronger and healthier. As for pest control, farmers must take care of insects like the red mite and the avocado fruit fly, as well as fungal diseases. Many producers use organic methods and biological traps to protect the environment while keeping the fruit safe. We all want healthy avocados, don’t we? The harvest takes place when the fruit reaches its physiological maturity. Interestingly, the avocado doesn’t ripen on the tree but after it’s picked, which is surprising, isn’t it? Depending on the variety, harvesting can be done once or twice a year. Mexico is the largest producer and exporter of avocados in the world, especially the state of Michoacán. This industry creates thousands of jobs and contributes greatly to the national economy. It’s something to be proud of, isn’t it? To conclude, the cultivation of avocado combines science, care for nature, and human effort. Thanks to this, the avocado has become one of the most important fruits worldwide and a true symbol of our agricultural richness. Thank you very much for your attention.