A new project announced today is set to deliver improved macadamia trees for Australian growers. The aim of the project, funded by Hort Innovation, is to create trees that can withstand climate change, produce larger and better-quality nuts earlier, and reduce production costs for growers.
The initiative, delivered by the Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation (QAAFI), is focused on breeding trees specifically for Australian conditions. The program will use technology to accelerate the process that can traditionally take more than 20 years, to increase production rates and support exports.
© Hort Innovation
Brett Fifield, CEO at Hort Innovation, said, "Macadamias are a native Australian nut and a high-value export commodity. This investment is about creating even better-adapted trees for the different macadamia growing regions across Australia. We hope that by using new technologies we can develop new macadamia varieties that will give growers better yields and a more quality nut that delivers results and profits sooner, with trees that are more productive, resilient, and tailored to our unique growing environments."
"In FY24, we saw more than 15,000 tonnes of macadamias leave our shores. We hope to see this continue to grow, but know that this project will be crucial to providing growers with the tools to get there and compete consistently on a global scale."
The project will integrate technologies such as genetic markers, genomic selection models, phenomics, and artificial intelligence (AI). These tools will help identify new species with improved yield, pest and disease tolerance, and resilience to environmental change. These advances address challenges including rising input costs, reduced pollination services from the varroa mite, and limited land availability.
Research lead Dr Mobashwer Alam said the project's goals include developing varieties that meet industry requirements, with grower engagement central to the process. "We see this project as a partnership with growers, and value that interaction with growers on our trials in the field. We want to combine our expertise with the industry's more practical expertise to improve the program. Our vision is to deliver high-performing, climate-resilient trees that fruit earlier, produce better quality and optimally sized nuts, and reduce production costs. By cutting the variety release timeframe from 24 years to just 10, along with new varieties every 3 to 5 years, we're ensuring Australian growers stay ahead with sustainable, profitable and world-leading orchards ready for the future."
The National Macadamia Breeding and Evaluation program (MC24004) project is funded by Hort Innovation, using the macadamia research and development levy, contributions from the Australian Government, and support from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries.
© Hort InnovationFor more information:
Shannon O'Mara
Horticulture Innovation Australia
Tel: +61 (0) 427 142 537
Email: [email protected]
www.horticulture.com.au