Westfalia develops avocado breeding in South Africa

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Westfalia Fruit has presented its collection of avocado varieties, one of the most extensive of its kind globally. The collection, located in a dedicated orchard in Tzaneen, South Africa, contains up to three trees of more than 140 avocado varieties sourced worldwide. It forms part of the company’s 50-hectare research and development site.

According to the company, over 7,000 avocado seedlings have been raised from the 140 parent varieties. These seedlings are at different stages of evaluation, with some nearing completion and others still at an early stage.

© Westfalia Fruit

Breeding methods and traits
The research team is applying technologies such as DNA markers and data-driven analysis to accelerate breeding programmes. These methods allow researchers to identify promising offspring without cultivating thousands of plants, reducing timelines compared to traditional approaches.

The cultivars are being evaluated for characteristics including flavour, texture, fruit size, productivity, and disease resistance. Some seedlings produce fruit with unusual shapes and flavours, ranging from gourd-like or elongated forms to very large fruit sizes.

Market and data-driven approach
For the first time in its avocado research programme, Westfalia is integrating consumer and market data into the development of new varieties. The company has stated it is working with customers to align varietal development with market preferences, seeking to bridge the gap between research outcomes and commercial demand.

Long-term development
The genetic library continues to expand each year with new parental cultivars. From thousands of seedlings under observation, nearly 100 are currently being considered as potential future commercial varieties. These selections are assessed for fruit quality, yield, and resistance to environmental stresses and disease.

The research hub is also addressing production challenges related to climate change, disease pressure, and water use. The long-term aim is to establish varieties that support the resilience of avocado production on a global scale.

© Westfalia FruitFor more information:
Janine Hatfield
Westfalia Fruit
Tel: +44 1322 425512
Email: [email protected]
www.westfaliafruit.com

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies