`Fruta De Oro Seedless` avocado tree

#The present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of avocado tree, which will hereinafter be denominated varietally as the `Fruta De Oro Seedless` avocado tree, and, more particularly, to an avocado tree which produces avocados which are entirely free of pits, stones, or any other detectable seeds.

#The discovery of this new variety of fruit having significant commercial potential is an event having considerable, and possibly enduring benefits in commercial markets and commercial nurseries. Such commercial markets are very receptive to new variety of this nature. One such benefit would be the seedless avocado having no loss of weight because of its seedless character. The potential for nursery stock, domestic, and commercial is excellent.

#Substantial research and development has been devoted for many decades to the creation, or discovery, of commercial varieties of fruits and vegetables which have no seeds, or at least seeds few in number and of a soft and readily digestible nature. The presence of seeds, whether full size pits or stones as in the case of stone fruit, or a multiplicity of small seeds, detracts from the commercial value thereof in several respects. They are a nuisance to the consumer because, depending upon the variety of fruit or vegetable, they are wholly, or substantially, inedible and therefore must be removed prior to, or during, consumption. This process, again depending upon the variety, may be difficult to the degree that removal of the seeds is not worth the effort. In these instances, a market for these varieties of fruits or vegetables is lacking. The seeds themselves may be bitter, or otherwise have an unpleasant flavor so that the flavor of the flesh of the fruit or vegetable is contaminated thereby. In addition, such seeds interfere with, or prevent, processing of the flesh of the fruit or vegetable. The seeds may be difficult to remove, or may fragment within the flesh during commutation, or may jam mechanical equipment employed in such processing. For all of these, as well as other reasons, the development of seedless, or substantially seedless, varieties of fruits and vegetables for commercial usage has long been a focal point of research and development.

#The accompany drawing is a color photograph showing the fruit of the new variety including a first in side elevation; a second of somewhat smaller size in side elevation; a third sectioned transversely thereof to expose the flesh; a fourth sectioned longitudinally thereof to expose the flesh thereof while displaying the complete absence of a pit, stone or seeds; a fifth also sectioned longitudinally thereof; and representative mature foliage and young shoots, all of the new variety of the present invention.

#Referring more specifically to the botanical details of the new and distinct variety of avocado tree, the following has been observed under the ecological conditions prevailing in the area of origin located in Orotina, Alajuela, Costa Rica in Central America. All major color code designations are by reference to the Dictionary of Color, by Maerz and Paul, Second Edition, 1950. Common color designations are also occasionally employed.

#Generally: The parent tree is generally old and of large size. There is no evidence of a budunion. Accordingly, the parent tree is believed to be either an early sport, or a chance seedling. The tree's age and origin are otherwise unknown. The new variety is believed to be in the genus: Persea americana, and probably of the subspecies "West Indian". Botanists are, however, still undecided about the many forms of avocados found in Costa Rica.

#Size.--Large and tall. Greater than 914.4 cm (30 feet) in height.