ISHS Acta Horticulturae 153: IX African Symposium on Horticultural Crops
AN EVALUATION OF MACADAMIA NUT PERFORMANCE IN MALAWI |
| Author: | I.M.G. Phiri |
| Abstract:
Yield and quality of macadamia nuts are being studied in relation to clones, production areas, propagation techniques and cultural practices. Using different propagation methods, approach grafting gave 100% 'take' whereas rooted cuttings and side-wedge grafts gave only 50% and 40% take and buddings 16%. Clones approach-grafted on M. tetraphylla rootstocks performed better than those grafted on M. integrifolia rootstocks. However, even though rooted cuttings gave a low take in the nursery, the established trees produced yields comparable to those of grafted trees provided there was mulching and protection against wind during early growth. Eleven clones imported from Hawaii, South Africa, Australia and California are being evaluated for yield and quality. Significant yield differences (P=0.01) have been obtained between clones with the Hawaiian clone 246 (Keauhou) ranking first, closely followed by clones 333 (Ikaika), clone 701 and Nelspruit, a South African clone. A California clone, Burdick, gave the lowest yield. Quality tests have shown that clones 333, 246, 701 and 462 have high shelling percentages and that all clones except 701 and 462 have oil content levels in excess of 75%. Five clones exhibited high levels of both yield and quality, namely 246, 333, 660, 508 and Nelspruit. | |
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