Field evaluation in Chile showed improved flowering, higher fruit number, better yield, and stronger economic returns
A field evaluation conducted in Chile showed that HaifaStim™ Vital improved flowering intensity and increased fruit number in Hass avocado, leading to higher yield and improved net income for the grower. The results demonstrate the value of biostimulants as a strategic complement to the standard avocado nutrition program, with the potential to support better productivity and crop performance.
The Challenge
Consistent yields and high postharvest quality in Hass avocado depend on maintaining tree vigor and physiological balance during key development stages, particularly flowering, fruit set, and fruit growth.
During these stages, avocado trees require efficient root activity, balanced nutrient uptake, and strong vegetative support. Any limitation in these processes may affect flowering intensity, fruit retention, fruit size, and final yield.
The Haifa Solution
HaifaStim™ Vital is a biostimulant designed to enhance root activity, support nutrient uptake, and promote early canopy development. By improving the plant’s physiological condition, HaifaStim™ Vital helps support more uniform flowering and fruit-set response.
In this trial, HaifaStim™ Vital was evaluated as a complementary treatment to the standard grower program in Hass avocado.
Trial Objectives
The trial was designed to evaluate the effect of HaifaStim™ Vital on flowering, fruit development and yield parameters and post-harvest behavior, while addressing the profitability for the grower.
Trial Setup
Location: La Palma, Valparaíso, Chile
Crop: Avocado, cv. Hass
Rootstock: Mexicola
Planting year: 2018
Spacing: 2.5 × 2.5 m
Trial design: Completely randomized design
Trees per treatment: 20–25
Treatments
| Treatment | Dose | Application timing |
| Control | - | - |
| HaifaStim™ Vital | 3.0 kg/ha X2 | Pre-flowering (late August–early September); repeated after 15 days |
Both plots received same background fertilization.
HaifaStim™ Vital was applied by Nutrigation.
Key Results
Improved Flowering Intensity
The flowering intensity analysis showed a clear positive response in treated trees – 90.5%, compared to 87.9% flower intensity in the untreated control plot.
Higher Fruit Number and Yield
Productivity analysis showed that HaifaStim™ Vital treatment increased fruit number and yield compared with the control.
Fruit Size Distribution
Fruit size distribution also showed favorable trends in treated trees. In the trial, HaifaStim™ Vital led the production of large- caliber fruit, compared to the untreated control. Thid indicates that HaifaStim™ treatment can contribute not only to higher yield, but also to fruit size distribution with commercial value.
Postharvest Performance
Postharvest evaluation showed no stem-end rot or blackspot damage. Browning was not related to treatment, and both HaifaStim Vital treatment and the control plot showed similar ripening behavior. This indicates that the yield improvement achieved with HaifaStim™ Vital did not compromise postharvest performance.
Economic Analysis
The economic results show a clear benefit for HaifaStim™ Vital, with higher yield, higher revenue, and strong return on investment compared with the untreated control.
| Treatment | Total Yield kg/ha | Revenue USD/ha | Treatment Cost USD/ha | Absolute ROI | Incremental ROI vs. Control |
| Control | 1,270.14 | 2,432.71 | 0.00 | – | – |
| HaifaStim™ Vital | 1,578.56 | 3,207.54 | 168.00 | 18.09 | 4.61 |
HaifaStim™ Vital increased total yield from 1,270.14 kg/ha to 1,578.56 kg/ha, resulting in additional revenue of USD 774.83 per hectare. After treatment cost, the grower achieved a strong incremental return.
Conclusion
The field evaluation in Chile demonstrated that HaifaStim™ Vital improved overall avocado performance, with positive trends in flowering, fruit set, yield, and fruit size distribution.
Applied before flowering, HaifaStim™ Vital supported better crop response during a critical physiological stage, helping the grower achieve higher yield and improved economic results.
These findings show the value of HaifaStim™ Vital as a strategic biostimulant solution for Hass avocado growers aiming to improve productivity and profitability as part of a complete plant nutrition program.
Key Takeaways
Improved flowering intensity compared with the control
Higher fruit number and yield
HaifaStim™ Vital increased yield by 24.75% vs. control
Positive trends in fruit size distribution
No negative effect on postharvest performance
Strong economic benefit, with incremental ROI of 4.61 vs. control
