Lula (avocado) explained

Avocado 'Lula'
Genus:Persea
Species:P. americana
Cultivar:'Lula'
Origin:Florida

The 'Lula' avocado (Persea americana 'Lula') is an avocado cultivar that originated in South Florida.

'Lula' became a widely propagated avocado after its introduction due to favorable characteristics, including its eating qualities.

History

The original tree reportedly grew from a 'Taft' avocado seed – named after Charles Parkman Taft (1856–1934) – planted in 1915 on the property of nurseryman George B. Cellon in Miami, Florida, and was named after Cellon's wife, Lula Cellon.[1] DNA analysis has indicated 'Lula' was likely the result of a cross between Guatemalan and Mexican type avocados. The tree first fruited in 1919 and was recognized for its excellent eating qualities. Propagation of 'Lula' began in 1921.[2]

'Lula' became recognized for its excellent eating qualities, steady production, and cold hardiness. It did have a drawback, however, in that the fruit was susceptible to scab. 'Lula' was widely propagated both for the commercial trade and home growing. It continues to be sold on a large scale despite the availability of newer cultivars, and it is often used as a rootstock for grafted avocado trees.

'Lula' trees are planted in the collections of the USDA's germplasm repository in Miami, Florida.[3] [4]

Description

'Lula' fruit has a glossy green skin and is pear-shaped. The flesh has high oil content, around 12–16%. The fruit matures from October to February in Florida.[5] 'Lula' produces A-type flowers.

Notes and References

  1. Mango Growing Around Early Miami . 47 . Harold W. . Dorn . Tequesta . 1956 . Historical Association of Southern Florida.
  2. Web site: Variety Database Search Results for ... . avocadosource.com . 28 November 2012.
  3. Web site: MIA 7828 : Persea americana Mill. LAURACEAE (avocado) . Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) . National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland . 28 November 2012.
  4. Web site: MIA 36136 : Persea americana Mill. LAURACEAE (avocado) . Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) . National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland . 28 November 2012.
  5. Web site: Table 2. Some characteristics of Florida avocado varieties recommended for the home landscape. . Circular 1034: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape . Jonthan H. . Crane . Carlos F. . Balerdi . Ian . Maguire . Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida . December 2010.