Article topic: ECONOMIC CONSIDERATIONS OF ‘MALUMA’
Author(s): E.D. Ernst
Abstract
The ‘Maluma’ cultivar has been in semi-commercial and commercial production for about 15 years, however in avocado cultivar commercialisation terms it is still considered quite new. ‘Maluma’ originated as a chance seedling of unknown parentage. For any new cultivar to be commercially viable it needs to present significant economic advantages in comparison to already existing commercial cultivars. A new cultivar should also mitigate some of the risks associated with the production and marketing of avocados.
Statistical data was obtained from within the South African context, while physical observations were also made in other countries where ‘Maluma’ has been planted commercially. Statistical data with regards to production and income per hectare as well as labour cost are analysed over consecutive seasons and compared to ‘Hass’ in the same environment for reference. The data was obtained from commercial orchards on different farms located in the main avocado production region in South Africa. Physical observations with regards to production and climatic factors are also analysed and compared.
Analysis of the data shows that ‘Maluma’ presents significant economic advantages in comparison with ‘Hass’ in terms of labour efficiency and income per hectare. It is shown that ‘Maluma’s’ economic advantages also lie in the fact that it mitigates certain risks relating to avocado production. These risks include factors such as climatic risk and variability of production. Statistical analysis indicates significantly less variability in seasonal production of ‘Maluma’ relative to ‘Hass’. Therefor it is concluded that ‘Maluma’s’ economic advantages establishes it not only as a viable commercial cultivar, but an attractive one for the entire value chain.
Key words: Profitability, Cultivar, Production, Avocado, Variety, Genetics
