Resumen

AVILAN, Luis et al. Behavior phenological of the antillean race of avocado in coastal region centro-norte of Venezuela. Agronomía Trop. [online]. 2009, vol.59, n.1, pp.5-14. ISSN 0002-192X.

The phenological behavior of cultivars of avocado, Persea spp. West Indian race, was described in a population of 29 trees older than 10 years, located in a tropical dry forest area at 450 m.a.s.l. The phenology was associated to the temperature and rainfall during the crop cycle between the years 2002 and 2005. The beginning, duration, and intensity of the events were established by the appearance of the corresponding structures in each phase, and when it covered around 5% of the canopy in 30% of the trees. There were three growing fluxes, and their development were associated to the most rainfall month (april to november).The first growing flux preceded flowering. The beginning of flowering occurred at the end of the year (november, december) and it was characterized by having the longer period of time (from 77 to 133 days) and high intensity (80 to 90%), and it was related to the occurrence of days with minimum temperatures of 20 ºC and 19 ºC. The accumulated rainfall during the period of floral induction varied from 375.8 to 567.6 mm and was partially or totally absent during flowering. The fructification period last from 4.2 to 7 month.

Palabras clave : Persea spp; west indian race; phenology; temperature; rain.