Horticultural Avocado

Horticultural Avocado Testing

Over recent years New Zealand's avocado industry has undergone rapid growth. Ensuring that growers maintain high quality high yield systems remains a key industry driver. As such, Hill Labs offers a diverse array of tests for the analysis of avocado's. Agricultural and horticultural professionals can take advantage of a complete suite of tests designed to meet the specific requirements of New Zealand based growers. Hill Labs has spent the last 30+ years developing analysis that is specific to the New Zealand situation. Our accredited testing means that you can have confidence in the accuracy of your data and make better land management decisions as a result.

Phosphonate Testing

Hill Labs has worked closely with the New Zealand Avocado Council to design a root-based test that ensures results meet the quality requirements of New Zealand avocado growers. Results are generated in 5-10 days using state-of-the-art laboratory testing equipment.

Pesticide Residue Testing

Hill Labs has extensive experience in the analysis of pesticide residues. We have developed award winning purification systems that ensure the best possible extraction of contaminants across the most diverse array of sample types available in New Zealand. Our test offering is IANZ accredited and suitable for use in both domestic and export-based situations.

Soil Testing

Soil tests measure only a fraction of the total pool of nutrients available to plants (immediate and medium term) so it is important that standard New Zealand methods of sampling and soil analysis are used so the results are meaningful and can be related to plant growth under local conditions. Default fertility tests for avocado soils includes the Basic Soil profile plus Mehlich3 extractable nutrients. Other tests are available for specific investigations.

Plant Testing

Plant analysis is a valuable diagnostic and monitoring tool that should be used to complement soil analysis. A soil test shows what soil nutrients are available to the crop, while a plant test shows what nutrients the crop has actually taken up. In this way, plant tests provide a more reliable assessment of crop nutrient status at any particular time. Soil and leaf tests for avocado are typically carried out in April-May in New Zealand, although spring leaf testing is also undertaken frequently. Hill Labs Crop Guide for Avocado can be downloaded here.

Helpful links

Our team of testing experts has meticulously crafted these documents to offer recommendations tailored to your testing requirements.

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Horticultural Avocado