Almond tree named `Avalon`

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of almond tree which has been denominated varietarily as "Avalon" and more particularly to such an almond tree which blooms approximately three days earlier in the season than the "Nonpareil", a well-known unpatented almond cultivar, and which further, is mature for commercial harvesting and shipment approximately eight days after the Nonpareil, and six to seven days earlier than the variety "Carmel" (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2641), under the same environmental conditions prevailing in the San Joaquin Valley of Central California. The subject variety further is distinguished as to novelty by producing crop yields which are equal to, or greater than both the Nonpareil and Carmel varieties under the same environmental conditions.

#It has been recognized that it is desirable to provide an almond tree bearing a crop which is ripe for commercial harvesting and shipment in late August and early September and which has the commercially aesthetic appeal such as that presented by the Avalon almond tree. The nut produced by the subject variety of almond tree is noteworthy in that it has a shell which is well sealed, thereby preventing insect damage. Further, it has been discovered that this same variety is a suitable pollinator for both the Nonpareil and Carmel varieties when it is placed in the same orchard.

#The present variety of almond tree was discovered as a chance seedling of unknown parentage growing within the cultivated area of the inventor's farm which is located at 4590 N. Central, Atwater, Calif. The inventor noted the novel characteristics of the instant variety of almond tree and marked the chance seedling for subsequent observation.

#The accompanying drawing is an illustration by photographic reproduction of a portion of a branch of an almond tree of the new variety showing a mature crop ready for harvesting and shipment; new growth of the present variety showing both the dorsal and ventral coloration of the leaves; and two inset photographs showing the nuts produced by the present variety of almond tree.

#Referring more particularly to the specific botanical details of this new and distinct variety of almond tree, the following has been observed under the ecological conditions prevailing at The Burchell Nursery, Inc. orchard which is located at 12000 Highway 120, Oakdale, Calif. 95361. All major color code designations are by reference to the Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Color, First Edition, 1930, or alternatively to the ISCC-NBS Color Name Charts. Common color names are also used occasionally.

#Tree:

#Generally.--Size -- Medium and upright, depending upon pruning practices. When compared with the Nonpareil variety, the present almond tree is smaller, but has a much more upright growth habit. Density -- Considered open. Vigor -- Average. Regularity of bearing -- Generally -- Regular, and occurs predominantly from spurs which are two years old or older. Presently, there is no evidence of bearing on current season shoots, although this trait may depend upon the age and growing conditions of the cultivar being studied. As a general matter, the nuts are distributed throughout the tree.