<P> Avocado trees are vulnerable to bacterial, viral, fungal, and nutritional diseases (excesses and deficiencies of key minerals). Disease can affect all parts of the plant, causing spotting, rotting, cankers, pitting, and discoloration . </P> <P> Mexico is by far the world's largest avocado growing country, producing several times more than the second largest producer . In 2013, the total area dedicated to avocado production was 168,155 hectares (415,520 acres), and the harvest was 1.47 million tonnes . The states that produce the most are México, Morelos, Nayarit, Puebla, and Michoacan, accounting for 86% of the total . In Michoacán, the cultivation is complicated by the existence of drug cartels that extort protection fees from cultivators . They are reported to exact 2000 Mexican pesos per hectare from avocado farmers and 1 to 3 pesos / kg of harvested fruit . </P> <P> The avocado was introduced from Mexico to California in the 19th century, and has become a successful cash crop . About 59,000 acres (240 km)--some 95% of United States avocado production--is located in Southern California, with 60% in San Diego County . Fallbrook, California, claims the title of "Avocado Capital of the World" (also claimed by the town of Uruapan in Mexico), and both Fallbrook and Carpinteria, California, host annual avocado festivals . Avocado is the official fruit of the State of California . </P> <P> Hass avocado production in Peru encompasses thousands of hectares in central and western Peru . Peru has now become the largest supplier of avocados imported to the European Union and, more recently, has begun to export avocados in significant quantities to North America . </P>

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