Articles
Early results from an almond cultivar trial in California’s Central Valley
Article number
1406_10
Pages
67 – 70
Language
English
Abstract
New cultivars are essential for the long-term production of food crops.
Cultivars currently in production are at risk for succumbing to new insect pests and diseases, and novel genotypes may result in better yields, quality traits, and/or simplified management.
In 2014, 29 almond cultivars and experimental selections from private and public breeding programs and commercial California nurseries were planted in three locations in California’s Central Valley.
Data from the top 20 performing varieties are discussed here.
Several experimental selections under evaluation have the desirable trait of self-fertility, which simplifies management practices, harvest, and may lead to more reliable production during years with poor bloom weather.
Yield and light interception data have been collected since 2016 in the three trial locations.
Cumulative yields from 2016 to 2022 were influenced by location. ‘Nonpareil’, the standard cultivar in the California industry, performed very well in comparison to the other cultivars in all three locations.
Experimental selections ‘UCD18-20’ and ‘Y117-91-03’, as well as industry standard ‘Aldrich’ also performed well at all sites.
Yield efficiency, calculated by dividing yield by percent shaded canopy area, was influenced by site, and ‘Nonpareil’ also performed well in this measure.
Several experimental selections under evaluation show promise for large scale commercial production, but more years of study are prudent.
Current results show the industry standard ‘Nonpareil’ is still an excellent choice for growers.
Cultivars currently in production are at risk for succumbing to new insect pests and diseases, and novel genotypes may result in better yields, quality traits, and/or simplified management.
In 2014, 29 almond cultivars and experimental selections from private and public breeding programs and commercial California nurseries were planted in three locations in California’s Central Valley.
Data from the top 20 performing varieties are discussed here.
Several experimental selections under evaluation have the desirable trait of self-fertility, which simplifies management practices, harvest, and may lead to more reliable production during years with poor bloom weather.
Yield and light interception data have been collected since 2016 in the three trial locations.
Cumulative yields from 2016 to 2022 were influenced by location. ‘Nonpareil’, the standard cultivar in the California industry, performed very well in comparison to the other cultivars in all three locations.
Experimental selections ‘UCD18-20’ and ‘Y117-91-03’, as well as industry standard ‘Aldrich’ also performed well at all sites.
Yield efficiency, calculated by dividing yield by percent shaded canopy area, was influenced by site, and ‘Nonpareil’ also performed well in this measure.
Several experimental selections under evaluation show promise for large scale commercial production, but more years of study are prudent.
Current results show the industry standard ‘Nonpareil’ is still an excellent choice for growers.
Authors
P. Gordon, B. Lampinen, L. Milliron, R. Duncan, D. Lightle, J.H. Connell, R. Brar, C. Reyes
Keywords
Prunus dulcis, breeding trials, self-fertile, yield trial
Groups involved
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