A new national research project is underway to identify and secure access to elite avocado rootstock genetics to help Australian growers improve productivity, resilience and long-term orchard performance.  

Funded by Hort Innovation, in partnership with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD), the project will work with various research agencies as well as production nurseries across the globe to build a robust, industry-led foundation to support elite rootstock identification, with a view to future adoption under Australian conditions. 

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager of Production & Sustainability R&D at Hort Innovation said the initiative would help avocado growers improve orchard performance while strengthening the industry’s global competitiveness.  

“To support industry expansion across diverse growing regions, the project will deliver a structured pathway for identification of high-performing domestic and international rootstocks, addressing critical grower challenges such as disease pressure, climate variability, salinity and orchard efficiency.” 

John Tyas, CEO at Avocados Australia, said the research would pinpoint characteristics desirable to Australian growers. 

“Australian avocado production has expanded rapidly in recent years, with growers increasingly exposed to new environments and production pressures. While rootstocks play a central role in determining yield, tree health and sustainability, the industry currently relies on a relatively narrow genetic base across the nation’s diverse growing conditions.”  

“This project responds directly to that gap by prioritising traits most important to growers across different regions, considering attributes such as Phytophthora tolerance, salinity resilience, precocity and tree size control.  

Rohan Prince, Horticulture Director, WA DPIRD said the project would work collaboratively, drawing on local, national and international expertise and experience to help build industry profitability and resilience. 

“The project will initially focus on existing Australian rootstocks from various sources, including production nurseries, before engaging with international breeding programs to assess rootstocks for suitability in our environments. 

“An Industry Focused Reference Group will guide the project to ensure industry driven commercial outcomes that benefit growers and consumers.” 

The Avocado Rootstock Variety Access project (AV25002) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the avocado research and development levy and contributions from the Australian Government, together with the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (WA DPIRD).