BIO Almond (Prunus dulcis) MISSION (SYN.TEXAS)

Almond Tree (Prunus dulcis) 'Mission' (syn. Texas)

A proven American classic featuring late flowering, high productivity, and natural pest resistance.

The 'Mission' variety (historically known as 'Texas') is a time-tested pillar of almond orchards. Its enduring popularity stems primarily from its late flowering window, which allows it to escape risky late spring frosts. While the kernels are smaller, the tree compensates with a massive fruit set. It is a robust, upright-growing variety with a hard shell that provides excellent mechanical protection for the kernel.

Main advantages of the variety:

• Late Flowering: Excellent insurance against flower damage from late spring frosts.
• High Productivity: The tree bears heavily and regularly, making up for the smaller kernel size.
• Natural Protection: The hard shell makes it difficult for insect pests to reach the kernel.
• Easy Training: Its upright habit facilitates structural pruning and canopy maintenance.
• Market History: One of the most historically successful varieties from the USA.

Origin and History

• Origin: USA (Texas), an accidental seedling discovered around 1891. It gained fame in California, becoming a key commercial variety.

Variety Characteristics

Tree

• Vigor: Strong and vigorous growth in youth, which naturally slows down with age. Features an upright habit and is very easy to shape.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Late flowering. Fruits are produced mainly on short fruiting spurs, a specific trait of this variety.
• Lifespan: May have a slightly shorter overall lifespan compared to some modern hybrids.

Fruit and Kernel

• Size: Kernels are relatively small, with an average weight of approximately 1 g.
• Shell: Hard and sturdy, which is beneficial for pest protection but requires mechanical cracking.
• Usage: The almonds are tasty and suitable for both fresh consumption and confectionery processing.

Resistance and Requirements

• Frost: Due to its bloom time, it is one of the most reliable varieties for regions with unstable spring weather.
• Diseases: Quite susceptible to Ceratocystis canker; therefore, it is vital to avoid mechanical damage to the trunk.
• Soil: Requires well-drained soils. Sensitive to soil salinity.

Harvest and Yield

• Yield Onset: Because it fruits on spurs, the onset of the first crop may be slightly delayed, but it becomes very productive thereafter.
• Yield Trend: Older trees often show a gradual decline in vigor and output.