Breeding success depends upon locating sources of needed germplasm, the efficient indexing, testing and transfer of selected genes through controlled crosses, the generation of large numbers of progeny from controlled crosses to ensure recovery of the rare, horticulturally superior individuals, and the thorough testing of promising selections in the range of soil and weather types typical of California almond production. This smaller difference is attributed more to generally low overall sets in this block for 1998 and probably does not indicate any improvements with tree age for self-pollinating ability. Selection UCD25-75 again demonstrated both the best sets as well as the most uniform crop set among interior and peripheral trees. Nuts were small and often shriveled in 1998. Trees are also medium in height with a bushy habit further reducing crop potential.
Nuts have a thin, similar shaped barky shell with often shriveled nuts.
Selection UCD45-8 had the lowest crop overall mostly on young interior shoots. Extensive vegetative growth was observed primarily at the tops of the upright trees. Fruit showed fleshy, reddish hulls with open shells with small Mission type nuts. Extensive blanks were observed. Evaluations at this block will be continued for two additional years to allow observation of mature tree performance.