`Antoñeta' and `Marta' Almonds

Abstract

Vigor and growth habit. Trees of both ‘Antoneta’ and ‘Marta’ are very vigorous, similar to ‘Ferragnes’. The original trees, although originally grown close together with the other seedlings, had developed trunk diameters measuring 20 and 25 cm, respectively, after 13 years. ‘Marta’ is very erect with vigorous branches that are easily adapted to the Italian vase, with three or four primary branches. It produces very few lateral branches during the first years, leading to the development of thick, erect, primary scaffolds. The later development of lateral branches gives it a more balanced, not excessively dense appearance. ‘Antoneta’ is more open, with more lateral branches on the scaffolds during the first stages of growth, even on nonpinched primary branches. Concerning growth habit and branching, ‘Nonpareil’ is intermediate between ‘Antoneta’ and ‘Marta’. Productivity. The harsh conditions (cold with frequent frost) under which the evaluation was carried out made assessment of long-term productivity difficult. During years without frost, the yield was greater than that of commercial cultivars and other selections from the breeding program grown in the same orchard. In spite of the drought in 1999, the yield for ‘Antoneta’ and for ‘Marta’ was very high. Disease resistance. The climatic conditions of the area are favorable for brown rot (Monilia laxa Aderh.) and polystigma (Polystigma occhraceum Wahl.) Both cultivars had a greater resistance to brown rot than did ‘Ferragnes’. Resistance to polystigma was similar to that of other cultivars. Fusicoccum (Fusicoccum amygdali Del.) and rust (Tranzschelia pruni-spinosa Pers.) infections were rare for selections.