PENTA AND TARDONA: TWO NEW EXTRA-LATE FLOWERING SELF-COMPATIBLE ALMOND CULTIVARS

Penta and Tardona are the new almond cultivars obtained in the Almond Breeding Program of CEBAS-CSIC, in Murcia (Spain). The objective of our breeding program is to obtain self-compatible almond cultivars that flower as late as possible, in order to avoid frost damage. Penta comes from the cross between S5133 and Lauranne. S5133 is a late flowering, self-incompatible selection of CEBAS-CSIC. Tardona comes from the cross between S5133 and R1000. R1000 is a late-flowering, self-compatible French selection. Both are self-compatible (S₂S_f and S₅S_f, respectively) with a high level of autogamy. They are extra-late flowering. In Santomera, where they were selected, they flower 20 and 30 days after Ferragnès. These differences can be halved in the coldest areas. These extra-late flowering cultivars reduce more than 80% the risk of damage by frost in comparison with traditional late-flowering cultivars. Both are very floriferous and productive. While Penta matures very early, Tardona matures with Ferragnès. Both are hard-shelled with 27% and 25% of kernel percentage. The kernel weight is 1 g for Penta, and smaller (0.8 g) for Tardona. Due to their extra-late flowering, they are recommended for areas with a high risk of frost. Both have been registered in the Community Plant Variety Office of the European Union.