Macadamia Problems

12 years ago

Dear Community,

I am working in Nepal for a nut research project. There are plenty of macadamia trees that grow well, however, in some communities, they dont seem to florish at all.

1. Problem: 3 years after plantation, the seedlings (from seeds) are all less than half a meter. I post some photos of different trees and am curious about your suggestion what could be advised to the farmers (there is no macadamia expert I know of in Nepal so far that has experienced the different conditions).

2. Question: why are some macadamia trees give small nuts, other nearly double size nuts? they all taste same.

thank you very much, the farmers will appreciate your answers/suggestions.

Andrea.

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Comments (5)

MsAndrea
Original Author
12 years ago
Farmer with one of his tree
MsAndrea
Original Author
12 years ago
other tree that is growing very slowly
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MsAndrea
Original Author
12 years ago
another one small macadamia tree
myamberdog
12 years ago
Well Andrea - that's a tough one. I've got a Macadamia (forget the variety) that's about 7 years old and 6 feet tall. It tended to take of this last year, when it found perhaps more sunshine? Not sure. These look like they are in the jungle. One thing I could say would be that they look like they have competition. I would clear away at least a couple feet around each small plant. That will give their roots a chance to get established without fighting with the weeds and other small plants near them.

How much sunlight are they getting? They seem to really love it. Also, are you fertilizing. I think they REALLY respond to that! How much water do they get - they love that too?

The first one looks like it has some burned leaves. That can be from too much heat or salt burn. But it may just grow out of it. The other two plants look great.

I don't know, but my intuition is telling me that it is all those little plants around the Macadamia seedlings that are causing the slow growth. I would clean away a nice 4 foot diameter circle around them, and keep that area cleared for a few years - use mulch to keep the other weeds/plants at bay, 3-6 inches thick would be great. Just don't let the mulch touch the trunk. If you have a really damp climate, that can rot the base of the tree...

hoped any of that might help.....

Keep us posted on the progress, Ms. Andrea!

Myamberpooch
MsAndrea
Original Author
12 years ago
thanky you, "myamberdog" for taking time and responding. I will also check out the other web page.

Best wishes with your trees,

Ms.Andrea