Byles & Carroll Avocado Orchard: Bigger Fruit, Better Pack Out with AgriSea-Only Program

When Scott and Corrine started managing their orchard in 2012, it was a steep learning curve with hit-and-miss results using chemical inputs. A critical problem emerged: they believed they were overdoing applications and pushing trees into growth cycles rather than reproductive cycles, causing fruit to drop off at pea size. The orchard is set against the hills in a cooler location than coastal properties, creating timing challenges for fruit set. As parents living on-site with their children, dogs, horses, and at times bees, they wanted a healthy environment and preferred organic products, but struggled to find an effective solution. When working with spray contractors, they couldn't apply AgriSea Foliar Nutrition as frequently as desired.

Scott and Corrine's research led them to AgriSea in 2014, initially mixing products with contractors. The game-changer came two years ago when they decided to purchase their own 2000-litre sprayer, enabling them to implement a pure AgriSea-only foliar program applied every two weeks. They strategically increased application frequency in early spring for pre-flower and at flowering time to promote the reproductive cycle and achieve good fruit set and development. This simplified, consistent approach gave them complete control over their orchard's nutrition program.

Byles & Carroll Avocado Orchard demonstrates that sometimes the best solution is also the simplest. By investing in their own equipment and committing to a pure AgriSea-only program applied every two weeks, Scott and Corrine eliminated the complexity and inconsistency of their previous approach. The transformation was comprehensive: fruit that previously dropped at pea size now holds and sizes up beautifully, pack out quality improved significantly, fungal issues decreased, and leaves grew larger and greener. The orchard now produces a consistent 70+ bins per hectare despite being in a cooler location. Most importantly for this family, they created a healthy environment where their children can play, their animals can roam, and their bees can thrive—all while running a productive commercial operation. As they transition out of the orchard's development phase, they're positioned to stabilize production at 70 bins per annum and upwards. The lesson? When you find what works, commit to it fully. Scott's observation that he was previously "overdoing it" by pushing trees into growth rather than reproductive cycles highlights how AgriSea's balanced nutrition supports the natural reproductive processes plants need for optimal fruiting. For avocado growers seeking bigger fruit, better pack out, and a healthier orchard environment, the Byles & Carroll experience provides a compelling roadmap.