In the almond breeding programme conducted at IRTA, some traits of 3,912 seedlings derived from 94 controlled crosses made in the period 1975-1991, using 55 parents, were studied in evaluation plots. During the third-fourth year after planting, records were taken in relation to flowering (date and intensity), vigour, general appearance of the tree (observations of growth habit, branching, production, vigour, disease susceptibility, etc.) and nut characteristics (shelling percentage, double kernels, kernel appearance and taste). The prospects to carry out early screening were explored, considering three levels of selection (low, medium, and high) for the studied characters. For any of these levels, the percentage of trees to be discarded, which were under the minimum requirements for one or several of the characters considered, resulted very high. Currently, early selection in segregating generations is conducted at Mas Bové. Large progenies are raised eliminating trees already in the nursery, without transplanting to evaluation plots. The known correlation between leafing and flowering date allows selecting for this important character the first year after sowing.