Macadamia information kit Reprint – information current in 1998 Macadamia Variety Identifier REPRINT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ! Contributing authors For updated information please call 13 25 23 or visit the website www.deedi.qld.gov.au David Bell Eric Gallagher This publication has been reprinted as a digital book without any changes to the content published in 1998. We advise readers to take particular note of the areas most likely to be out-of-date and so requiring further research: Lindsay Bryen Ian McConachie • Chemical recommendations—check with an agronomist or Infopest www.infopest.qld.gov.au • Financial information—costs and returns listed in this publication are out of date. Please contact an adviser or Daryl Firth Paul O’Hare industry body to assist with identifying more current figures. Kim Jones Russ Stephenson • Varieties—new varieties are likely to be available and some older varieties may no longer be recommended. Check with an agronomist, call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23, visit our website www.deedi.qld.gov.au or contact the industry body. • Contacts—many of the contact details may have changed and there could be several new contacts available. The industry organisation may be able to assist you to find the information or services you require. • Organisation names—most government agencies referred to in this publication have had name changes. Contact Coordinating author the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or the industry organisation to find out the current name and contact details for these agencies. • Additional information—many other sources of information are now available for each crop. Contact an Noel Vock agronomist, Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or the industry organisation for other suggested reading. Even with these limitations we believe this information kit provides important and valuable information for intending and existing growers. This publication was last revised in 1998. The information is not current and the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed by the State of Queensland. This information has been made available to assist users to identify issues involved in macadamia production. This information is not to be used or relied upon by users for any purpose which may expose the user or any other person to loss or damage. Users should conduct their own inquiries and rely on their own independent professional advice. While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in this publication. QAL9808 Queensland Horticulture Institute Department of Primary Industries, Queensland in conjunction with NSW Agriculture and Australian macadamia Society Ltd. 1 Macadamia Variety Identifier Introduction From the Agrilink Series A common problem for new macadamia growers is the correct identification of the First published 1998 varieties in their orchard. This is important as each variety has different characteristics ISSN 1328-0457 Agdex 246/33 Notes that may influence the way in which it is managed. For example, the management of nutrition, pest and disease monitoring, pollination and harvest operations may all be different for some varieties. Correct identification of varieties also helps in marketing. Agrilink concept devised by Noel Vock and Brian Cull The Macadamia Variety Identifier is the first comprehensive guide to identifying the Agrilink products are proudly produced by the Agrilink Project Team: varieties likely to be planted in existing Australian orchards. It covers 24 varieties Information coordinators — Noel Vock, Jerry Lovatt, Irene Kernot including all of the major commercial varieties originating from both Australia and Publishing production — Loraine Chapman Hawaii. The benchmark for inclusion of a variety is: Editor — Glenis Ayling • either Macadamia integrifolia or Macadamia integrifolia hybrid origin; Customer service — Lourelle Heintjes • in commercial use; • commercially propagated in quantities to make it likely that blocks of trees exist. Minor varieties propagated in small numbers and those of Macadamia tetraphylla origin are National Library of Australia Cataloguing-in-Publication data: not included. Macadamia variety identifier ISBN 0 7242 6797 2 Layout 1. Macadamia nut - Varieties - Queensland. 2. Macadamia nut - Queensland - Identification. The identifier consists of three sections: I. Vock, N.T. (Noel Thomas), 1949 -. II. Bell, David, 1963 -. III. Queensland. Dept. Primary Industries. (Series: Agrilink: your growing guide to better farming). • The main identification characteristics used and where the varieties broadly fit. 634.509943 • A simple key to varieties based on leaf spines, leaf size and leaf shape. As leaves are always available, this allows a quick narrowing of the options at any time. • Detailed individual variety profiles. The information on each variety is presented © The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries 1999 in a two-page format with the main identification characteristics on the left-hand Copyright protects this publication. Except for purposes permitted by the Copyright Act, page. Where appropriate, this enables the pages to be flicked over quickly to locate reproduction by whatever means is prohibited without the prior written permission of the matching characteristics. Department of Primary Industries. Enquiries should be addressed to: Tree shape is for a tree 5 to 7 years old Agrilink Manager Note: Department of Primary Industries Tree, leaf and nut Maroochy Horticultural Research Station illustrations are derived PO Box 5269 SCMC from photos and have Leaf size is been selected as being Nambour 4560 Q Australia in scale most typical of the Ph: (07) 5444 9690 Fax: (07) 5444 9694 Int Code: + 61 7 throughout variety. Note that there the book. will be some variation E-mail: [email protected] Upper leaf from these illustrations. surface is Disclaimer shown in all This information product is distributed by the Department of Primary Industries as an information source only. cases. The information contained in the kit and other material incorporated by reference is provided solely on the Summary basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the content and seek professional of main advice. Readers must note that the information contained in this book has been developed for growers in characteristics Queensland and New South Wales, Australia and the Department of Primary Industries gives no warranty that the information is suitable for other areas. 262 3 Introduction Meaning of terms usedOwn Venture Contents Own Venture A common problem for new macadamia growers is the correct identification of the Petiole – leaf stalk varieties in their orchard. This is important as each variety has different characteristics Willowing of branches – branches tend to be thin and hang down Main identification characteristics Notes that may influence the way in which it is managed. For example, the management of Hilum – attachmentLeaf of nut to husk Tree Tree shape ...............................................................................................Other characteristics 6 nutrition, pest and disease monitoring, pollination and harvest operations may all be Micropyle – white spot at the end of the nut opposite to the hilum where water enters to Tree density & size .................................................................................. 7 different for some varieties. Correct identification of varieties also helps in marketing. initiate germination Leaf length .............................................................................................. 8 Raceme – flower stalk The Macadamia Variety Identifier is the first comprehensive guide to identifying the LeafFlowers width; tip shape ............................................................................... 9 Turkey’s neck – distinct break between main body of tree and the top varieties likely to be planted in existing Australian orchards. It covers 24 varieties slightly pointed tip Leaf spines; husk shape ......................................................................... 10 Sticktight nuts – dry mature nut-in-husk stay attached to the tree and do not fall naturally long racemes (200 – 250 mm) including all of the major commercial varieties originating from both Australia and (as distinct from late fall green nuts) Distinctive shell features....................................................................... 11 Hawaii. The benchmark for inclusion of a variety is: short, late flowering Pre-germinationmany – germination on the tree before nuts fall • either Macadamia integrifolia or Macadamia integrifolia hybrid origin; Precociousspines – starts bearing at an early age Key to major varieties • in commercial use; Undulating leaf margins – wavy leaf margins based on leaf spines, leaf size and leaf shape ......................................... 12 • commercially propagated in quantities to make it likely that blocks of trees exist. Basal discolouring – colouring of kernel due to absorption of colour from shell Bunching habit Minor varieties propagated in small numbers and those of Macadamia tetraphylla origin are Leaf whorl – two or more leaves attached at the one node Individual varietysingles profiles and doubles not included. medium A4 .........................................................................................................tendency