Cultivation of avocado in Spain

Most of the Spanish avocados are planted in the southern mainland provinces of Málaga and Granada. Although the Canary Islands only have around 700 ha of avocado out of a national total of roughly 9,300 ha, it is the second tropical fruit crop of the Islands. No new plantation has been undertaken recently in the Canaries but the rate in the Spanish mainland has been a steady 500 ha year-1 over the last few years, predominantly using 'Hass' variety. Spain produces about one third of the European Union avocado consumption, but outside the local market, most exports are directed to France. The main cultivar planted in the Canary Islands is 'Hass', followed by 'Pinkerton' and 'Fuerte', with a great proportion consumed locally.
The main cultivars planted in the mainland are 'Hass' and 'Bacon', mainly on Mexican race rootstocks, usually 'Topa Topa'. In the last few years 'Duke 7' is also being used in response to the expansion of phytophthora cinamomi root rot. The producing areas of the Canary Islands have more moderate temperatures, ranging between 15 and 28°C, which allow cropping throughout the year, but temperatures above 30°C, occurring in July and August in the mainland, seriously limit harvest during those months.