Collaboration for Agriculture & Rural Development: " Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in 3 provinces of North Vietnam - MS11 " pdf

Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development


Collaboration for Agriculture & Rural Development





037VIE05
Establish nurseries and training to effectively propagate high
quality trees and trial plantation models of Macadamia in 3
provinces of North Vietnam

MS11 Report

Part 1, 2, & 3

Part 1. Research Publication/Technical Report on interim results from Macadamia nut
varietal trials (at least 10 cultivars in 3 provinces).

Part 2. Report on evaluation of existing cultivars.

Part 3. Research and management protocol including assignment of responsibilities for long
term management, analysis and reporting of macadamia nut varietal trials.

Prepared by Martin Novak
Assisted by Hoang Hoe, Kim Wilson and Kim Jones


August 2010 Report

1
Table of Contents

1. Institute Information
2. Milestone 11 Deliverables Summary
3. Executive Summary
4. Introduction & Background

5. Part 1. Research Publication/Technical Report on interim results from Macadamia nut
varietal trials (at least 10 cultivars in 3 provinces).
5.1 Reports on interim results from Macadamia nut variety trials
5.2 General comments for trials based on progress reports 2008
5.3 Advice given to replicate Australian variety trials protocol
5.4 General comments for all trials based on progress reports 2010
6. Part 2. Report on evaluation of existing cultivars
6.1 Variety trial research undertaken by FSI
6.2 Variety trial research undertaken by WASI
6.3 Variety trial research undertaken by Chinese researchers
6.4 Variety trial research undertaken by Thai researchers
6.5 Variety trial research undertaken by South African researchers

7. Part 3 Research and management protocol including assignment of responsibilities for long
term management, analysis and reporting of macadamia nut varietal trials.
7.1 Research relating to macadamia varieties

7.2 Selection criteria for suitable best macadamia varieties
8. Next Critical Steps
9. Conclusion

Attachments
Attachment 1 - Van Linh Variety Trial Layout
Attachment - 1.1 Van Linh Variety Trial Block Report May 2008
Attachment 2 - Ba vi Variety Trial Layout.
Attachment 2.1 - Ba vi Trial Block Report May 2008.
Attachment 3 - Yen Thuy Variety Trial Layout.
Attachment 3.1 - Yen Thuy Trial Block Report 2008.
Attachment 4 - Vinamac Co Trial plan
Attachment 5 - Australian Variety Trials.
Attachment 5.1 - New Australian Variety Trials.
Attachment 5.2 - RVT 3 Trials.
Attachment 6 - FSI Full report.
Attachment 7. - WASI Full report.
Attachment 8. - Chinese reports.
Attachment 9. - Thai Report.

Attachment 10. - South African Macadamia Variety Report.
Attachment 11. - Australian research protocols.
Attachment 12. - Australian and Vietnam climate data comparisons.
Attachment 13 - Project Variety Trials photographic report.

2
1. Institute Information
Project Title
Establish nurseries and training to
effectively propagate high quality trees

and trial plantation models of
macadamia in 3 provinces of North
Vietnam
Vietnamese Institution
Center for Environment, Tourism and
Development (CETD)
Vietnamese Project Team Leader
Prof Hoang Hoe
Australian Organisation
Subtropical Farm Forestry Association
Australian Personnel
Martin Novak, Kim Wilson
Date commenced
01 January 2006
Completion date (original)
31 December 2008
Completion date (revised)
15 December 2010
Reporting period
6 months



Contact Officer(s)
In Australia: Team Leader
Name:
Martin Novak
Telephone:
61 2 66895027
Position:

President
Fax:
61 2 66895227
Organisation
Subtropical Farm Forestry
Association
Email:


In Australia: Administrative contact
Name:
Valda Mitchell
Telephone:
61 2 66284372
Position:
Administrative Officer
Fax:
61 2 66284386
Organisation
Subtropical Farm Forestry
Association
Email:


In Vietnam
Name:
Hoang Hoe
Telephone:
04 8642670, 04
7560233

Position:
Director
Fax:
04 7560233
Organisation
CETD
Email:



3
2. Milestone 11 Deliverables Summary

3. Executive Summary
14 macadamia varieties have been selected for the projects 3 variety trials. These include 10
best bet varieties from Australia and 4 from China. They include 264, 344, 741, 849, 816,
842, 814, A4, A16, A38 from Australia. GY1, 695, 900, OC were selected from China.
Additional varieties have also been delivered in 2008 including A203, A268 and Daddow
from Australia and have been incorporated in additional trials.

The trials sites were initially established in 3 provinces including Ba vi, Hoa Binh and Lang
son in the subtropical northern parts of Vietnam in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 an additional one
was established in Daklak as it became evident that the central tablelands was the most
promising region to grow macadamia in Vietnam. Additional trials for the central highlands
are planned for 2010.

The design of the trials was undertaken by Craig Hardener and Kim Wilson both of whom
have extensive experience with varietal trials in Australia. Because of the limited time frame
of the project, data to fully evaluate the varieties is insufficient to date. It takes 6 to 7 years
before meaningful data is available and 15 to 20 years before varieties can be fully assessed
as to sustainable production of good quality kernel.

The somewhat older trials of FSI and WASI are playing an important role in providing early
indicators as to which varieties are showing promise. Data relating to growth, plant health,
flowering, nut set, Nut in Husk production, are of interest, however kernel recovery, quality
and quantity will be the determining factors in the selection of varieties. This will take time
and will be an ongoing process as the industry develops.

The experience of macadamia industry development in Australia provides very useful
insights when trying to develop the best varieties. The idea of a super macadamia tree that
fulfils all requirements is perhaps a good target concept but is most unlikely in reality. If one

Part 1. Research Publication/Technical Report on interim results from Macadamia nut
varietal trials (at least 10 cultivars in 3 provinces).
14 cultivars have been planted in trials in 4 provinces, Ba vi, Hoa Binh, Lang son and
Daklak. Additional trials of FSI and WASI are also considered in this report.
Part 2. Report on evaluation of existing cultivars.
Since yield of premium kernel is the most import factor in evaluating cultivars varieties,
results from the 3 year old project trials will not start to become significant for another 3
to 4 years. Trials of FSI and WASI that are producing kernel provide an opportunity for
evaluation. Comprehensive variety trials in Australia provide the best opportunity for
evaluation of cultivars to date. Other trials in China, Thailand, Hawaii and South Africa
also complement this evaluation.
Part 3. Research and management protocol including assignment of responsibilities for
long term management, analysis and reporting of macadamia nut varietal trials.
The Macadamia Association of Vietnam along with research agencies is becoming
involved in this regard utilising the approach taken in other countries, particularly
Australia and South Africa. Evaluation criteria for the selection of cultivars are detailed in
this re
p
ort.

4
considers seasonal and site variation alone, the saying “the right tree for the right reason at
the right place” is possibly worth keeping in mind.

Hence the idea of certification of varieties suitable for Vietnam, needs to be approached with
some sensitivity. It may be worth considering certifying nurseries in producing quality trees
suitable to a range of environments and conditions, while at the same time allowing for the
freedom to develop new and improved cultivars.

The information with regard to varieties resulting from research and practice in Australia,

Hawaii, South Africa, China and Thailand continues to be under consideration as a result of
the projects role in facilitating collaboration within this global macadamia fraternity. Reports
relating to these are included in this report with further details attached. This collaboration
needs to continue beyond the life of this project, by way of the Macadamia Association of
Vietnam and the key research agencies.

Research and management of variety trials needs to aim at identifying and developing
cultivars, which will improve grower productivity, profitability and sustainability. The related
research and management protocol including assignment of responsibilities has evolved
collaboratively during the life of this project and this should continue as the industry
develops. It will be the important and critical responsibility of the industry stakeholders
represented by the Macadamia Association of Vietnam and supported by research agencies
and MARD to ensure that the industry, as it develops, is focused on these key factors. This
report contains attachments which detail research and management protocols and findings for
variety trials designed and implemented in Australia and South Africa.

4. Introduction and background.

The macadamia industries commercial varieties have been developed from the Macadamia
integrifolia and Macadamia tetraphylla. These are the only commercial species of the
macadamia and the world industry is based on varieties and hybrids of these two species. The
Australian and Hawaiian commercial industries are overwhelmingly based on M.integrifolia.
In China, South Africa and New Zealand M. tetraphylla is more common mainly via the
popularity of the tetraphylla Beaumont. Generally the global market prefers the integrifolia
because of its whiter uniform kernel colour. Growers also prefer it because it falls out of the
tree more readily and processors prefer it because of its more round and even thickness shell.

The history of the use of the macadamia nut tree goes back to the aboriginal people of
Australia, however the selection of suitable varieties dates back to the early nineteenth
century European settlement of northern NSW and south-eastern Queensland. The tree is

native to the subtropical regions of eastern Australia and it was farmers who were growing
the trees in these regions, on a small scale, who first started selecting trees mostly by way of
the highest yield of NIS.

The Hawaiian industry was based on some seedling nuts imported from Australia in the
1880s (Trochoulias 1989) These important introductions were made in the late nineteenth
century by W.H. Purvis (1881), the Jordan Brothers (1892) and the Territorial Board of
Agriculture (1881-1895) (Shigeura & Ooka 1984). Van Tassell was a pioneer of the
Hawaiian industry who overcame many setbacks to form the Hawaiian Macadamia Nut Co in
1922 which was the first venture to plant commercial macadamia orchards numbering
thousands of trees (Agropress 3/94).

5

The commercial industry was established earlier and on a larger scale in Hawaii than in
Australia. Development of a macadamia industry in Hawaii was very much encouraged by
Government. The development and growth of this industry has been based largely on the
efforts of the agricultural scientists of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA),
Federal Experiment Station, and the Hawaii Agricultural Experiment Station (HAES) of the
University of Hawaii (Shigeura & Ooka 1984). The research of HAES lies behind the
industry standard varieties in both Australia, Hawaii, China, South Africa, Brazil and
Thailand.

1936 in Hawaii, marked the start of successful nursery grafting and this led to the selection of
trees suitable for grafting on a commercial basis. They discovered by chance the importance
of cincturing and preparing suitable scion wood. This was a major undertaking from 1937-39
with 60,000 seedling trees being assessed. As a result of this, 62 selections were made,
grafted on to seedling trees and planted in four test orchards on four of the Islands.
During the 1940s, Dr. Storey began the evaluation of these and other trees with most of the
trial processing carried out at the factory of Honokaa Sugar Company. Finally in 1948, Dr.

Storey awarded variety status to five selections with two more in 1952. These selections were
Ikaika (HAES 333), Kohala (386), and Pahuu (425), all from Van Tassel’s orchard at Mt.
Tantalus. Then Kakea (508) selected at Honolulu in 1936, Keauu (660) from Deschmanda
orchard at Kauai and Keahou (246), and an open pollinated seedling from the Kona Coast.

The American business acumen and the plant breeding from Hawaii have both been
fundamental to the development of the macadamia industry around the world. It was only in
the mid 1990’s that the Australian industry has overtaken the Hawaiians as a world leader
both in research and production.

Macadamia seedlings are inherently variable and viable commercial production was greatly
assisted by Norman Greber in Australia who perfected the simple side graft - still in use today
(Power 1982). This development enabled cloning of varieties so that a superior tree might be
copied to ensure a uniform orchard.

The first organised purchasing and processing operation in Australia was developed by the
Angus family (and the giant Mac Farms operations in Australia has its origins with the Angus
family processor) which began around the time of the second world war.

The first large scale producers and processors in Australia were Commonwealth Sugar
Refinery (C.S.R) Macadamia Plantations of Australia (M.P.A.) and Gray Plantations, who in
the 1960s and 1970s gave the, industry the critical mass required for a long term future. It
was this commercial development that encouraged growers and researchers to invest in the
industry. There have been many pioneers who, in different ways, have made life easier for the
growers who followed them. In Australia for example Greber, Cottram, Hesslewood, Gowen,
Ainsbury, Spooner and Bell to name a few.

The industry in Australia only developed following the development of the Hawaii selection
of superior clones. For many years most of the Australian industry was based on varieties
developed in Hawaii, with varieties HAES 246 (Keauhou), HAES 344 (Kau), HAES 741

(Mauka) and HAES 660 (Keaau) making up most of the orchards. However in recent years
with the development of Australian varieties such as Hidden Valley A4 and A16, A38, A203,

6
A268 and others, developed by Henry Bell, most new orchards are now based on a mixture of
Hawaiian and Australian varieties. The project has included some of the Hidden Valley
varieties in the trials, including A4, A16 and A38.

Currently Australia’s leading research agency, the CSIRO, under its CSIRO Plant Industry
(CPI) program is working on an extensive macadamia-breeding program. The higher yielding
macadamia trees project has identified a selection of the 20 best new macadamia cultivars
which look likely to double the yield of existing commercial varieties. It is a long term
project and unfortunately cultivars are not available to the industry as yet. (Attachment 5.2)

For details regarding the Hawaiian and Australian varieties refer to Part 2 Section 6 of the
report below and Attachments 5 and 10.

The development of new varieties is also being undertaken in China, South Africa, Brazil and
Thailand. Some of this work is detailed in Part 2 Section 6 of the report below and in the
attached research papers. For details regarding development and features of the Chinese, Thai
and South African varieties refer to Attachments 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

5. Part 1. Research Publication/Technical Report on interim results from
Macadamia nut varietal trials (at least 10 cultivars in 3 provinces).


14 macadamia varieties have been selected for the projects 3 variety trials. These include 10
best bet varieties from Australia and 4 from China. They include 264, 344, 741, 849, 816,
842, 814, A4, A38, A16 from Australia. Guy Yan1, 695, 900, OC were selected from China.

The trials sites were initially established in 3 provinces including Ba vi, Hoa Binh and Lang
son in the subtropical northern parts of Vietnam in 2007 and 2008. In 2009 an additional 2
have been established in Daklak, as it became evident due to the trials of FSI and WASI that
the central tablelands was the most promising region to grow macadamia in Vietnam.

The design of the trials was undertaken by Craig Hardener and Kim Wilson both of whom
have extensive experience with varietal trials in Australia. Because of the limited time frame
of the project, data to fully evaluate the varieties is insufficient to date. It takes 6 to 7 years
before meaningful data is available and 15 to 20 years before varieties can be fully assessed
as to sustainable production of good quality kernel.

Most of the information available to date, is gained from the preliminary data of the 3 Variety
Trial Technical Reports below [5.1] and further detailed studies of the FSI and WASI variety
research trials in [6]. Complimentary information is presented from reports of Chinese and
Thai project collaborators as well as from research undertaken in South Africa in [6]

5.2 Reports on interim results from Macadamia nut variety trials.

The project supported the establishment of three trial sites at Van linh, Ba vi and Yen
thuy. 2 more recent trials have been established in Daklak, since the focus of macadamia
development has sifted to the central highlands.

Van linh Station – trial plans (Refer to attachment A1 and photos in A13)


7
Density – 7m x 4m, 14 varieties, 5 trees / variety (3 monitored), Replicated 4 times
Trees required, 14 varieties x 5 x 4 = 280
Buffer trees = 108, Total 388 trees, Total area = 1.1 ha.
(For additional details May 2008 Trial Report Attachment 1.1 - detailed reports

prepared for original project completion dated December 2008.)

Progress as at October 2008 (Attachment A1.1)
.62 Ha Planted March 2007, 5m x 4m = 500 trees / Ha. 312 trees fully planted
Recording growth every 3 months, Recorded trial layout & varieties
Trees require more fertiliser.

Progress August 02,2010
Van linh trial plot and nursery: ( Canh).
Trial plot 1: 47 trees of H2 + 741( planted in 2003) 7 years old.
- growing well, spacing 3mx3m too dense ( H=5m, )
- harvest 120kg NIS ( 2009)
- estimate 150 kg NIS ( 2010)

Trial plot 2: planted in Nov.2007
- trees growing well ( 60%) H2, 5M-3,0M, 40% trees look not so good.
- there are some trees have a few early fruit (3 years-old) fruit mostly size big.
(Attachment A13)
- Map of plot has been submit in 2008.


Ba vi Station – trial plan ( Refer to Attachment A2 and photos in A13)

Density – 7m x 4m, 14 varieties, 10 trees / variety (8 monitored), Replicated 4 times
Trees required, 14 varieties x 10 x 4 = 560, Buffer trees = 102, Total 662 trees
Total area = 1.85 ha.
(For additional details May 2008 Trial Report Attachment 2.1 - detailed reports
prepared for original project completion dated December 2008.)

Progress as at October 2008 (Attachment 2.1)

.85 Ha. Planted January 2007, 4m x 2.5m = 1000 trees / Ha, 825 trees fully planted.
Recorded trial layout & varieties, Recording costs.

Progress at January 14,2010
1. Trials plot 1:
- 240 trees of 19 varieties( from Australia & China), 5-6 years-old, look good.
H= 6-7 M. All varieties show Green leaves.
Harvested in October 2009, total fruit 250 Kg, 119 Kg NIS. [Compare with the
trial plot of farm of Mr. Thu in Krong nang Daklak, 6 years old trees, total
harvested 600 Kg of NIS. Indicates that difference in the climate, has
significant influence. (Attachment 12- climate data comparisons)]

Trial plot 2:
- 2007 planted 1000 trees, now H=2-3m, 50% of trees good, the rest not so
good smaller and poorer color for all varieties.
Trial plot 3

8
- Jan 2008 they planted 2 Ha ( 660 trees) in Bavi, look about 50% trees good
H=2-2,5 M, green leaves.
Progress at March 2010
Trial sites
1 ha planted 2007 & flowering.
600 trees planted 2008 half not good
2009 crop 400 trees produced 250 kg NIH 119 NIS used for seed nut
Flowering time was in April. 695 had lots flowers.
Overall not much nut set – lacked water & nutrition
Going to collect data on nut yield, measure flowering and fruit.
7 trees died in trial plot 3.
Fertiliser 1kg NPK x 2 pa will do not yet done Plus 5 -10 kg organic manure.

Progress at July 2010
There are some early fruit on the trees of trial plot 3 after a good flowering in
March –April (2008 planting)


Yen thuy – trial plan (Refer to Attachment A3 and photos in A13))

Density – 7m x 4m, 14 varieties, 10 trees / variety (8 monitored), Replicated 4 times
Trees required, 14 varieties x 10 x 4 = 560, Buffer trees = 128, Total 688 trees
Total area = 1.9 ha.
(For additional details May 2008 Trial Report Attachment 3.1 - detailed reports
prepared for original project completion dated December 2008.)

Progress as at October 2008 (A3.1)
Yen thuy trial plot , just planted Spring 2008

Progress as at July 2010
2. Yen thuy nursery: ( Yen)
- new planted 02 ha of trial plot ( Yen 01 ha, Duc 01 ha) ( 600 trees )
Continuing to raising 4000 seedlings

Vinamaca Co – Macadamia variety trials. (Trial plan Refer to Attachment 4 and photos in
A13))

Village Ka Mang Commune Deliza
District Krongnoang Province Daklak
Total area 1.3ha including trial plot fully fenced

Trial plot

Transplanted from Yen Thuy Nov 2009
360 grafted trees most tagged.
Needs mulch around trees.
Need to check tag wire otherwise will ring bark trees
Color and trees look good.

5.3 General comments for all trial sites based on Progress October 2008.


9
There does not appear to be significant difference between varieties at this stage.
Very important that all information is recorded the same way.
Standard recording sheets have been provided.
All need to adopt tree training to improve form.
Improve nutrition program.
Ensure varieties are identified correctly and careful labelling is maintained.

5.4 Advice given to replicate Australian variety trials. (Attachments 5)

Monitoring, and measuring the following:
1. Tree growth, Stem diameter, Canopy volume.
2. Yield per tree and per square meter, Kernel recovery.
3. Pest & Disease occurrence, across different areas.
Important that Vietnam researchers collect all this data however No 2 data is the critical
data for selecting the best preforming varieties.

Consideration needs also to be given to research into varieties in China, Thailand and
South Africa referred to below. However it should not be assumed that varieties
recommended by researchers in other countries will be as suitable in Vietnam. The
tendency of some research organizations to recommend one cultivar needs to be resisted,

until extensive long term monitoring and analysis has been undertaken.

5.5 General comments for all trial sites based on Progress Reports of 2010.

Data collection needs to be recorded on the standard recording sheets and shared with the
Macadamia Association of Vietnam and the relevant research agencies.

It appears that recording sheets have not been maintained and /or shared since copies have
not been delivered to the project team.

It is still too early to come to any meaningful conclusions regarding variety selection so a
range of varieties should continue to be monitored.

Consistency of treatment within trials and across trials, needs to be maintained much as
possible. For example, intercropping and fertilizing only part of a trial block introduces
variables that are not necessary to the objective of the variety trial.


6. Part 2. Report on evaluation of existing cultivars.

Since yield of premium kernel is the most import factor in evaluating cultivars varieties,
results from the 3 year old project trials will not start to become significant for another 3 to 4
years. Trials of FSI and WASI that are producing kernel provide an opportunity for
evaluation. Comprehensive variety trials in Australia provide the best opportunity for
evaluation of cultivars to date. Other trials in China, Thailand, Hawaii and South Africa also
complement this evaluation.

6.1 Findings relating to variety trial research undertaken by Forest Science Institute -
FSI.

10

FSI Daklak workshop 2009 report extracts (Attachment A6 Full FSI report)

FSI has been testing varieties in 16 trials in 6 provinces. They have been collecting a range of
data in survival, growth, flowering and fruit production. The following tables are examples of
the data collected from trials in Ba vi and Daklak.

The growth and development of macca varieties in Ba Vi, Ha Tay.

Do (cm) H (m) Dt (m)
The rate of bearing frui
t
trees in 008(%)
Name o
f

variepy
Survival
rate (%)
X V% X V% X V% Little average Much
Daddow 100 8,8 25,5 3,8 18,8 3,5 26,0 40,0 20,0 20,0
246 93,7 8,5 10,9 4,1 8,3 3,1 10,7 0 50,0 50,0
842 93,7 8,5 13,3 3,8 9,1 2,9 19,3 20,0 40,0 40,0
NG8 100 8,3 16,2 4,2 6,2 2,7 20,0 - - -
344 93,7 8,2 16,7 4,9 13,8 2,8 24,7 40,0 20,0 0
849 87,5 8,1 11,1 4,8 11,9 3,1 14,6 14,3 0 42,8
741 93,7 8,1 14,6 4,2 9,9 2,8 14,9 50,0 16,6 16,6
856 87,5 8,2 22,0 4,6 13,6 2,7 22,8 - -
816 100 7,7 17,9 4,6 11,1 2,7 17,6 16,6 0 50,0

0C 93,7 6,2 21,1 3,2 19,5 2,5 9,3 25,0 50,0 25,0
ĐC 1 93,7 5,6 32,3 4,1 25,9 2,7 30,6 33,3 33,3 0
ĐC 2 93,7 4,9 24,5 3,6 23,5 2,1 29,1 0 0 60,0
TB 94,2 7,59 4,15 2,7

F calculate 3,45 6,23 13,65
F
,05
look at the
table
2,89 2,89 2,89

The growth and development of macca in Krongnang , Dak Lak.

Do (cm) H (m) Dt (m)
Rate of bearing frui
t
trees in 2008 (%)
Tªn
dßng
Tû lÖ
sèng
(%)
X V% X V% X V% Little Average Much
800 87,5 13,4 100 4,4 100 3,0 100 - - 100
741 93,7 11,7 9,7 4,1 23,5 3,3 8,0 - 33,4 66,6
849 93,7 10,8 6,9 3,6 22,9 2,7 47,5 - 20 80
816 100 10,4 11,8 4,6 14,9 3,2 19,3 0 0 57,1
842 93,7 9,2 100 4,2 100 3,8 100 - - 100
246 93,7 9,1 31,6 4,4 14,9 3,7 22,2 5,9 5,9 70,6

OC 100 8,4 17,3 4,0 16,2 3,2 23,7 19,6 8,7 63,0
ĐC1 93,7 8,4 17,3 4,2 16,2 3,1 23,7 55,8 23,5 2,9

11
TB 94,5 10,17 4,18 3,25
F calculate 19,26 4,06 4,80
F
,05
look a
t

the table
3,73 3,73 3,73


FSI research indicates that a number of varieties are preforming well in Vietnam. The key
findings are included in the full report as follows:

Conclusion

-In Dong Hoi (Quang Binh) macca varieties, OC, 741, 816 246
Grow well and the bearing fruit rate is high.
-In Krong nang, Dak Lak, macca varieties 842, 800, 849,246, 741 and OC grow well and
the bearing fruit rate is high
-In Mai Son, Son La, macca varieties OC and 246 grow well and are capable of bearing
fruit.
-In Drakpao, Dak Nong, macca varieties 816, OC, NG8, MC2 and A800 grow well.
-In Dai Lai, Vinh Phuc, macca varieties 816, 246, OC, A800 and Daddow grow well.
- In Ba Vi macca bear buds from December to the following February. Flowers bloom
from March to April, bearing fruits from the end of April to June, fruits ripe and fall from

December to November. The length of flowers is from 11.1 to 21.6. Number of flowers is
226 to 453, bearing fruits rate is 0.02 to 1.6 %. Radiance of fruits is from 2.8 to 3.2 cm.
- There are differences in the blooming time, so it is necessary to grow the varieties with
same blooming time together. This makes it easier for trees of different varieties to inter-
pollinate and increase bearing fruits rate. For a high-productive garden we should grow trees
of different varieties together.
Variety 900 -Variety 856 - Variety 842 -Variety 246 - Variety 344.
Variety 800 - Variety 788 – Variety 816 - Variety H2.
Variety NG8 - Variety 800 – Variety 856 -Variety OC - Variety Daddow- Variety 816.
Variety 741 - Variety OC - Variety Daddow - Variety 816 - Variety 849
Table below correlates Variation of size of Macadamia fruit
For varieties: 344, 816, 900







12
Size by diameter of fruit in relation to date/month



6.2 Findings relating to variety trial research undertaken by CENTRAL HIGHLAND
AGRICULTURE FORESTRY SCIENCE & TECHONOLY INSTITUE - WASI.

WASI Macadamia variety research. (Attachment A7)

WASI research has focused on growth and fruit production of varieties from China and

Thailand. New research will include some Australian selections. The following are key
extracts relating to varieties from a report presented at the Daklak 2009 Macadamia
Workshop. (The full report is included as Attachment )

Research, select the macadamia varieties in the group garden
From 2002-2009, Central Highland Agriculture Forestry Science & Technology Institute has
imported five varieties originating from China (H2, 508, OC, 814, 344), 6 varieties
originating from Thailand (H2, 508, 246, 344, 741 , 660), 8 varieties derived from Australian
and has grown at the Institute on an area of 1.5 ha, the density is 400trees/ha to conduct
research. The selection criteria are the yield, grain quality and the ability to grow.
The variety group of Macadamia originated from China
Chart 1: Growth of the Macadamia varieties
ĐK Root (cm) ĐK Canopy (cm) Height (cm)
Variety
Name
TB CV% 2. TB CV% TB CV%
H2 14,9 10,2 447 7,8 547 6,9
508 15,7 14 444 11,5 550 10,3

13
2.1 OC 13,3 8,8 349 14,3 425 18,9
814 12,7 13,4 348 18,9 518 8,4
344 13,1 17,9 384 21,9 500 6,1
TB 13,9 12,8 394,4 14,8 416,3 10,1

After six years of planting macadamia, macadamia varieties at the Institute have been
growing well: the original diameter of the varieties fluctuates from 12.7 to 15.7 cm; the
canopy diameter fluctuates from 348 to 447 cm; the height fluctuates from 425 to 547 cm. In
which it is found that H2 and 508 grow better than the rest of varieties, OC has the lowest
growth. Generally, height growth of the varieties is greater than canopy diameter growth.

Characters of Fruit from the Macadamia Varieties

After 6 years of planting, all the varieties produce flowers and fruits. However, the ability to
produce fruits and the fruit weight initially showed some differences. H2 has the highest rate
7 fruits/stem while 508, OC, 344 and 814 only have from 2-4 fruits/stem. In general, all the
varieties have round fruits and ripe fruit are green. Weight of 100 seeds of the varieties alters
from 660 to 915 grams, of which OC has the largest seed size, the other varieties have
medium size.

Seed productivity and quality of some macadamia varieties

2.1.1 Variety
Name
2.1.2 Fruit/stem
2.1.3 Fruit
shape
2.1.4 Color of
Ripe
Fruit
2.1.5 Weight
of 100
seeds (g)
H2
2.1.6 7
Round
2.1.7 Green 2.1.8 700
508
2.1.9 2
Round

2.1.10 Green 2.1.11 660
OC
2.1.12 4
Round
2.1.13 Green 2.1.14 915
344
2.1.15 4
Round
2.1.16 Green 2.1.17 750
814
2.1.18 3
Round
2.1.19 Green 2.1.20 700
2.1.21 Variety

2.1.22 Fruit/stem 2.1.23 Fruited
stem/tr
ee
2.1.24 Total
fruit/
tree
Weight of
Seed (g)
2.1.25 Productivity
(Kg/tree)
2.1
.
H2
2.1.27 7
70

2.1.28 490 2.1.29 7 2.1.30 3,43 2.
508
2.1.32 3
80
2.1.33 240 2.1.34 6,6 2.1.35 1,58 2.
OC
2.1.37 4
115
2.1.38 460 2.1.39 9,1 2.1.40 4,18 2.

14
Chart 4 shows the productivity of Macadamia varieties has some differences after six years of
planting. Although the rate of fruited stem/tree of H2 is not high but fruit/stem is high, the
average yield is 3.43 kg/tree. Fruit/stem of OC are not high, but fruited stem/tree are high and
seed size is large, average yield reaches 4.18 kg/tree. 508 has the lowest yield (1.58 kg / tree).
The kernel rates of three varieties fluctuate from 28.4 to 35.2%, in which the kernel rate of
OC is very high (35.2%).

Macadamia variety group originating from Thailand
Chart 5: The Growth of Macadamia Varieties.
ĐK Root (cm) Height (cm) ĐK Capony (cm)
Variety
Average CV% 3. Average CV% Average CV%
H2 7,1 16,3 366,1 15,9 247,8 17,2
508 6,6 9,6 360 11,7 208 10,1
660 4,95 27,0 270,5 18,8 143,3 25,2
344 6,0 13,8 319,1 17,6 168,3 18,9
741 6,2 2,4 386,6 12,0 171,6 7,3
246 6,4 16,1 355,7 20,7 176,4 34,1
Average 6,2 14,2 343 16,1 185,9 18,8

After 3 years of planting, the imported varieties from Thailand have been growing well,
average diameters of root are 6.2 cm, the height is 343 cm and average diameter of the
canopy is 185.9 cm. Of these, H2, 741 and 246 have grown over 508, 660, 344 in terms of
height, root diameter and canopy diameter. In general, the whole garden grows normally,
serious pests have not been found on these varieties.
Conclusion
- Macadamia imported from China after 6 years have been growing quite well. In general, all
the varieties can produce flowers and fruits. Percentage of flowering plant of all the varieties
is 100%; currently three varieties have high rate of flowering and producing fruit are H2, 508
and OC.
- Initially OC is seen as a quite suitable variety with the ecological conditions in Dak Lak. It
has high potential yield, large seed size, less pest and in particular, the balanced canopy; it is
also solid, drought-resistant and well adapted to the weather conditions in the Central
Highlands.
- The macadamia from Thailand after more than 3 years of planting have been growing well.
There is currently no pest risk.


6.3 Findings relating to variety trial research undertaken by Chinese researchers.

Varieties in China (Attachment A8)


15
Chinese researchers have been very active in developing and selecting varieties that are
suited to South China. One of these Guy Yan 1 or Gui Re 1 has been used in the project trials.
The following are key extracts from 2 research reports from China

The GUI RE 1 Hao has been developed in China and claimed to be their best variety. It has

been included in the project trials. The following is an extract describing the variety from a
report delivered at the Daklak workshop 2009 (Attachment 8.1 8.2 – Complete reports)

Macadamia research at Long Zhou into improved macadamia varieties has resulted in the
development of the Gui Re 1 Hao cultivar.

Guangxi Subtropical Crop Research Institute Experiment Station begin its
research and planting of Macadamia nuts from 1980s.Working through the variety selection for
many years, now it selects the improved fine species –” Gui Re 1 Hao”.
This improved species bears fruits early and has steady, bumper harvest. The fruit nuts are
uniform in size, and yield in the form of a bunch, which is easy for gathering.


Quality contrasts with other species of the Macadamia Nuts
Weight unit of fresh fruit:Kg
Variety
Year
660 788 OC H2 GUI RE 1
Hao
2004 10.31 9.75 30.64 20.33 30.55
2005 6.37 8.51 22.89 13.62 32.48
2006 18.42 23.42 27.95 18.75 31.83
2007 17.67 14.00 38.39 39.42 42.40

Remarks 1: 15 of every species are planted;
Remarks 2: This planting for species contrast was set up in 1994.

Property Characteristic of Gui Re 1 Hao
Botanical Properties
The tree crown of Gui Re 1 Hao appears in semicircle. Its trunk and main stem are gray and

brown. The apex is a hemisphere. The leaf is green and has sting in a small quantity. So it
looks like little wave. The petiole is about 1cm. The blade is10-14cm long. The flower is
complete flower. Tiny and milky white, it is born collectively in raceme that grows in armpit.
The inflorescence is 14-17cm long, containing 130-160 flowers.
The fruit nut is spherical, with obvious white point at the bottom, which connects with the
duct together. Thus, the shell is smooth, evasive and bright and has a few patterns, with
obvious duct.
Phenological Period
Not having obvious rest period, it sprouts tips so long as the temperature is suitable. It can
sprout in Longzhou county for 4-6 times in one year. It sprouts bud in the last ten days of
January. In mid- March, flowers are blooming. In the first ten days of April,
they wither. The first physiological shedding was in early and middle May.
The second physiological shedding is in late July and early August. In mid September, the
fruit is ripe.
Gui Re 1 Hao is suitable for grafting in January and February every year. With the latest
grafting technology, its survival rate can reach above 90%. In the 2nd year average plant
height :173cm; average stem thick :2.67cm. Begin to bear fruits in the 3rd planting year. The

16
rate of producing seeds is 54%;kernel, 37%;the first class seed, up to 99%. The nut is uniform
in size. An average nut, together
with its shell, weighs 9.2 grams.
The grafting seedling of Gui Re 1 Hao can yield fruit in the third year after planting, and in
the tenth year the average production for each plant can reach above 15kg.

The following are key extracts from a report titled Macadamia research in China,
by Prof. Lu shaozhong of South China Tropical Crops research Institute in Zhanjiang
presented at the Macadamia Workshop 24/10/2007 at Ba vì, Hà tây.

Differences of productivity of Macadamias between China, Hawaii & Australia

Year 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

China kg/tree 0,7 1,4 2,5 3 6,5 2,4 6,6
kg/Ha 272 514 937 1116 2465 905 2475
Hawaii kg/tree 2,2 4,7 10,8 17,2 23,5 29,5 35,4
kg/Ha 393 824 1884 2982 4080 5100 6120
Australia kg/tree 1 2 4 6 8 10 12
kg/Ha 250 500 1000 1500 2000 2500 3000

Varieties selected for growing in China:

（1）H2, Own Choice(O.C)

（2）344, 788, 695,333

In 1994, research indicated that China can grow Macadamias successfully. Quality of kernel
can be to middle level quality of that of international quality standard.

6.4 Findings relating to variety trial research undertaken by Thai researchers.

Macadamia varieties in Thailand
Abstract and extracts from paper “Macadamia varieties in Thailand” (Attachment A9 )
prepared by
Uthai Noppakoonwong, Pichit Sripinta, Chatnapa Khomarwut
and Manop Hantawee Chiang Mai Royal Agricultural Research centre

Thailands research is aimed at the selection of cultivars with high yield and good quality of
nuts. Varietal yield trial and location test were conducted in several parts of Thailand. The ten

cultivars, 8 Hawaiian and 2 Australian selections, were planted at 15 selected sites with
different altitudes and latitudes in 1984. The result showed that 3 introduced cultivars from
Hawaii; Haes660, Haes741 and Haes508, had the best performance in yielding and nut
quality. They were officially renamed and released as recommended cultivars by the Thai
Department of Agriculture (DOA) as Chiangmai 400, Chiangmai 700 and Chiangmai 1000
respectively. Most of them are suitable for the upper north of Thailand and the area with
elevation of 700 meters above mean see level. The clonal selection of macadamia from a
chance seedling of good varieties introducing from overseas was also carried out.




17
Cultivars 660 (CM400) 741 (CM700) 508 (CM1000)
Nut in Shell Small-Medium Medium Small-Medium
Nuts/Kg 175-190 135-150 148-170
Fruit/raceme 5-12 3-8 5-12
Kernel (%) 34-42 32-39 32-39
Oil content (%) 93-100 88-99 84-100
Recovery (%) 35-41 31-37 30-38

Average recovery percentage location trial between 5-12 years

Variety

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude



CHR

FNG

DMS

KK

KW

WW

MCL



400 msl

450 msl

800 msl

800 msl

1300 msl

1300 msl

1300 msl

246

25.6

27.6

20.0

19.3

25.2

30.3

25.9

333

23.9

26.6

21.7

21.4

22.4

25.0

23.6

344

22.7

23.4

27.1

22.6

28.4

32.6

28.2

508

29.3

27.4

20.5

19.2

28.9

29.6

29.9

660

29.8

28.5

27.9

24.3

30.8

37.0

34.4

741

27.5

30.0

27.4

24.3

30.7

35.3

31.6

800

24.3

29.8

23.4

24.9

19.8

24.9

31.7

H2

26.7

27.7

22.6

21.4

25.8

30.0

25.3

HY

22.8

19.1

23.2

19.4

17.3

18.0

17.9

OC

29.0

26.6

27.3

29.8

28.9

30.1

30.9

Av

26.1

26.6

24.1

22.6

26.8

30.3

27.8




18
Average kernel percentage location trial between 5-12 years

Variety

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude

Location/
Altitude



CHR

FNG

DMS

KK

KW

WW

MCL

400 msl

450 msl

800 msl

800 msl

1300 msl

1300 msl

1300 msl

246

29.8

30.8

26.5

29.7

34.7

35.9

33.2

333

28.3

28.4

24.0

27.6

28.3

28.1

27.2

344

26.8

25.3

28.0

27.1

32.8

34.0

31.3

508

32.3

30.1

27.0

30.6

33.9

33.4

33.1

660

31.7

30.3

27.8

32.7

36.4

39.0

36.1

741

30.4

32.0

31.1

27.9

36.0

37.9

35.6

800

28.5

31.4

27.2

28.5

33.8

37.2

33.0

H2

29.0

29.7

28.2

28.4

29.3

31.5

29.0

HY

21.8

21.5

19.3

25.0

25.6

22.8

21.6

OC

32.3

29.6

31.2

32.2

31.7

31.5

32.8

Av

29.1

28.9

27.0

29.3

32.2

33.1

31.2



6.5 Findings relating to variety trial research undertaken by South African researchers.

The following abstract reports on the macadamia cultivar work in South Africa.
(Full paper is Attachment A10)
Macadamia Cultivar Evaluation at Pietermaritzburg and Identification in South Africa
P. Allan, Horticultural Science, University of Natal, South Africa
Abstract summary
Initial macadamia plantings in South Africa were of Macadamia tetraphylla seedlings,
especially during the early1960’s (Allan, 1968; Reim, 1991). However as knowledge was
gained of improved cultivars of M. integrifolia (Allan,1969a, b & c) and some hybrids, graft-
wood was imported into South Africa, through quarantine, over the past 35 years. Cultivar
evaluation has been conducted at Ukulinga research farm, University of Natal,
Pietermaritzburg since 1969.Cultivar trials were also established in five ecologically different
areas of Natal (Allan, 1992) as well as low veld areas of what are now Mpumalanga and
Limpopo provinces (Swanepoel and Hobson, 1999) and more recently in KwaZulu/Natal
(van Niekerk, 2001).

19
Problems in distinguishing between the many different cultivars led to the development of
keys to help identify different cultivars (Apostolides and Allan, 1997; Simpson and Allan,
1998). In order to further aid in identification, a booklet with colour photographs of leaves,
nut-in-husk, kernels, nuts, inflorescences and trees of each of 27 cultivars, present in South
Africa, together with revised keys was published (Allan, 2001). The results of the cultivar
evaluation at Pietermaritzburg, and a brief description of the cultivar identification
techniques, are given in this paper.

Table 1. Average Macadamia Cultivar Quality Characteristics 2001-2003 and Rating & Yield 2003 Yields
Cultivar Av.
Kernel
Mass (g)
% Kernel % No. 1
Kernels
% Whole
Kernels
Visual
Rating2003
Yield
kg/tree2003
Tree
age yrs
246 Keauhou 2.09
33.9
71.6
66 Good 21.7

294 Purvis 2.48 30.7 83.9 72 Excellent 5.9 10
333 Ikaika 1.83 23.8 50.5 59

POOR
16.1 30
344 Kau 2.14 27.8 71.2 64 Good 43.7 25
508 Kakea 2.28 32.6 67.4 60 Good 24.9 30
660 Keaau 2.30 35.6 86.3 63 Excellent 27.1 30
695 Beaumont 1.59 34.3 47.2 59 Good 4.3 8-25
741 Mauka (1 yr)
781
2.84 2.82
33.9 36.8
77.6 68.7 63 68 Super Good 0.1 22.4 3 20
788 Pahala 2.39 36.8 83.2 72 Excellent 34.6 20
789 (1 yr) 2.38
33.9
94.0 53 Excellent 0.9 3
790 Dennison 2.00 27.8 71.2 74 Excellent 4.7 20
791 Fuji 2.56 31.5 60.9 58
POOR
19.2 20
792 (2002 only) 2.65 32.6 89.0 86 Good 0.1 5
800 Makai 2.43 32.9 77.7 66 Excellent 16.6 10
812 small sample (1yr) 2.24 39.0 96.7 50
POOR
0.1 3
814 1.97 31.7 84.0 57 Good 24.5 7
816 2.72 35.1 68.3 72 Good 26.1 15
834 2.57 30.7 90.4 80 Excellent 16.5 7
837 small sample (1 yr) 2.00 32.4 71.4 71 Good 0 3
842 (1 yr) 2.55 35.2 98.0 58 Good 0.8 3
849 3.29 44.6 76.9 75 Good 0.7 3

863 small sample (1 yr) 3.33 38.1 70.8 25 Excellent 0 3
887 2.61 41.5 89.8 72 Excellent 5.3 7
Nelmak 2 3.39 37.7 68.1 52 Good 18.7 25
A 4 A 16 (1 yr)
Daddow (1 yr)
UNP-F 3
3.10 3.38
2.52 2.42
41.0 37.0
29.4 34.2
89.1 87.5
97.5 82.0
64 76 48
60
Super
Super
Super
Excellent
1.4 2.90.1
1.4
3 4 3
10



20
7. Part 3. Research and management protocol including assignment of
responsibilities for long term management, analysis and reporting of
macadamia nut varietal trials.

Research and management of variety trials needs to aim at identifying and developing
cultivars, which will improve grower productivity, profitability and sustainability. The related
research and management protocols, including assignment of responsibilities have evolved
collaboratively during the life of this project and this should continue as the industry
develops. It will be the most important and critical responsibility of the industry stakeholders
represented by the Macadamia Association of Vietnam (MAV) and supported by research
agencies and MARD to ensure that the industry, as it develops, is focused on these key
factors. This report contains attachments which detail research and management protocols
and findings for variety trials designed and implemented in Australia and South Africa.
(Attachments 5,10, and 11). It will be up to MAV, with collaboration from MARD and
associated research organizations, to appoint a macadamia R&D committee to set research
priorities and management structures. This project through it collaborative approach has
worked towards initiating and facilitating a good relationship between the major stakeholder
groups. It has also provided detailed examples of the Australian industry model as well as
opportunities to see how other macadamia growing countries develop their industries,
particularly with regard to R&D. The Australian Macadamia Society and its R&D committee
are successful in instigating and overseeing excellent research programs including extensive
variety trials. They have the financial support from their membership and state and federal
governments. In turn they also have the support of the expertise of research agencies such as
CSIRO which manage and conduct the research based on the priorities set by AMS. The
AMS website /> provides details of the management and the
research undertaken. There are also links to the agencies which conduct and support the
research.

7.1 Research relating to macadamia varieties.

Yield of premium kernel is the most import factor in assessing and selecting varieties best
suited to commercial macadamia nut production.

There are many variables that contribute to yield and quality, so data relating to quantity and

quality of kernel needs to be collected over many years. Experience in Australia has shown
that you need at least seven years of yield data to start to accurately assess the potential of a
new cultivar. There can be significant fluctuations in yields and quality, between varieties,
depending on regional, climatic in particular and seasonal variations.

Such factors as tree growth; flower production and NIS weights are not considered important
by the Australian industry when assessing varieties. The focus is on kernel yield per hectare,
kernel recovery and kernel quality. Kernel recovery is a statistic used to convert yield of NIS
to yield of kernel. It is expressed as the weight of kernel as a percentage of the NIS weight.

There is also recognition in Australia, based on research and many years of experience, that a
plantation should include a selection of best bet varieties not just one. It has been found that
there is no such thing as a super macadamia tree when monitored over numbers of years and
between regions. A mix of a selection of best performing varieties in terms of kernel yield,
kernel recovery and quality are considered the most significant factors contributing to
sustainability and long-term good production. Australian research has also revealed that

21
cross-pollination between varieties, contributes to increased yields. (Performance of
Australian Varieties Attachments A5, A5.1,2)

Critical climatic factors also need to be taken into consideration when selecting varieties. For
example some varieties do not preform as well if they experience dry conditions during
flowering such as 344. Climatic comparisons between Australian regions and regions in
Vietnam can be found in attachment A12. There is more information regarding performance
of varieties under various climatic conditions in attachment A5

7.2 Selection criteria for suitable best macadamia varieties.

• Data from variety trials based on production, quality and suitability of management

methods.

• Selection should be based on high sound kernel recovery, with first grade kernel over
96%. Kernel should have an even colour, a regular round shape, and roast evenly.
Sound kernel recovery should be above 35% and consistent from year to year, with a
high percent, above 55%, of whole kernel.

• Desirable characteristics: trees are wind resistant, small compact, with no stick tights
and early bearing from year three or four.

• Variations in location, plantation design and management systems will affect the
performance of varieties.

• Climatic and edaphic factors affect varieties in varying ways.

• A number of varieties should be planted in blocks to spread risks and harvest time.

• Consideration of cross-pollination and nut drop times.

• Consideration of planting density in relation to tree form. (Spreading tree for low
density and compact upright trees for high density.)

• Consideration of high yield of sound kernel per square metre of canopy area can be
made especially with high-density plantings. This can give some indication of long-
term yields.

• For high density plantings dwarfing root-stock can be considered.

• Some varieties have negative features, which must be taken into consideration, even
though, over-all, production is good in terms of quantity and quality of kernel yield.

(Eg 741 and 344 are susceptible to Abnormal Vertical Growth (AVG) disorder under
certain growing conditions. Some varieties such as OC are “Stick tights” which can
add to the cost of harvesting.

• Reject any varieties with serious defects including stick tights, poor kernel colour or
flavour, low first grade percent and varieties producing nuts below 18mm diameter.


22
Note details relating to these selection criteria and additional criteria can be found in the
attached research papers Attachments 5,10 and 11.

4. Next Critical Steps
It is important that the Macadamia Association of Vietnam establishes an R&D committee
with strong representation of macadamia growers, nurseries, processors, marketing and
researchers. This committee will need to set priorities for research into the best varieties at
least based on the criteria setout in this report. Existing research into varieties needs to be
reviewed and supported based on these priorities. Existing funding structures should also be
reviewed with these priorities in mind. Data from the project variety trials needs to be
collected, analysed and findings promoted. MAV needs to ensure that financial support is
available for this to continue.
It is important that proven players from the private sector are involved in the selection of
varieties and the associated research. It is their finances, drive and innovation that will be key
to the next stage of development in Vietnams macadamia industry.
The issue of certification of varieties must not be allowed to hinder sustainable development
of the industry. The industry in Australia has not suffered at all from the lack of certification
of any sort. It is only now that there is consideration being given to the certification of
nurseries, mainly driven by the fact that new much improved varieties may be available to the
industry over the next 5-10 years. MAV and MARD will need to develop a strategy that will
address the associated concerns and assist the industry to continue to grow into the future.

9. Conclusion
As a direct result of this project Vietnam now has the best available commercial macadamia
varieties being trialed in more than 4 provinces in the northern part of Vietnam and in the
central highlands. Thanks must go to the project collaborators who have contributed scion-
wood selected for trials and plantations in these provinces. They include Australian, Chinese
and Thai collaborators who have supplied 17 varieties 14 of which are being formally trialed
in the project trials detailed in this report.

Unfortunately, the young age of the project trials, does not allow for any meaningful
recommendations as to which, are the most suitable of these for Vietnam. It will be another 2-
3 years before data from these trials starts to provide some early indications as which are
performing best. To date, factors that are influencing performance in terms of growth and
health (what is measurable so far) do not appear to be related to varieties, but rather more to
management and climatic variability.

FSI and WASI are doing some good work in monitoring their established trials in 10
provinces. The data and findings from these variety trials (especially those 6+ years old) are
starting to provide some indications as to which varieties are performing better in terms of
yield. However, based on these findings, it is still too early to make conclusive
recommendations to growers, as to which varieties to grow and where to grow them. There
also needs to be a stronger focus on yield, quality and recovery % of kernel. Although trials
in China and Thailand are older there also seems to be a lack of focus on kernel in selecting
varieties.


23
The Australian trials are more comprehensive and reliable analysis has been completed with
the varieties chosen for the project trials. The current Regional Variety Trials (RVT3)
unfortunately are still too young for findings to be released, however the earlier trials provide

a sound core of information which can be utilized in Vietnam. It is important at this stage that
the industry does not limit its self in its selection of varieties.

It will be very important for the development of Vietnam’s macadamia industry and its
selection of suitable cultivars, that researchers and growers, supported by government, work
together to progressively select varieties best suited to high yield production and developing
markets. The project has helped to bring these and other stakeholders together and now this
role needs to be strengthened and expanded ideally by the Macadamia Association of
Vietnam. The Macca Club was the precursor of the sub branch of the MAV formed in
Daklak. Ideally, this branch will be one of a number formed to take the industry forward
beyond the life of the project. Its R&D committee will help ensure that variety selection and
development will be based on sound fundamental priorities along the lines set out in this
report and modelled on successful structures such as that of the Australian Macadamia
Society and its R&D committee.