Unlocking higher macadamia yields, better quality nuts and more efficient harvest will be the focus of a new Hort Innovation research initiative announced today.

The five-year project, being delivered by the Queensland Department of Primary Industries in partnership with Griffith University, will investigate the physiological drivers of productivity and translate findings into practical crop management strategies and investigate ways to improve harvest efficiency.

The research will focus on key areas such as reproductive development, carbohydrate allocation, canopy management and nut drop dynamics. These insights will be used to develop science-backed strategies that help macadamia growers make more informed decisions on-farm, driving productivity and profitability.

Building on previous findings that highlight the role of carbohydrate availability in fruit set and retention the research will further explore how pruning and canopy structure affect crop load. The project will also examine ways to shorten the macadamia harvest season, which is currently prolonged and costly. It will assess methods, including chemical use, to accelerate mature nut drop without compromising kernel quality. These approaches could reduce harvest costs, improve shelf life, and maintain long-term productivity.

Anthony Kachenko, General Manager of Production and Sustainability R&D at Hort Innovation, said: “The macadamia industry is always looking for ways to improve yield and quality, and this project is about giving growers the science-backed tools to boost productivity and profitability. By understanding the tree’s physiology and how it responds to different management practices, we can help growers make better decisions that deliver real results.”

“This investment reflects our commitment to delivering research that’s practical, impactful and aligned with grower needs. It’s about turning science into solutions that work in the orchard.”

Led by Dr Amnon Haberman, Principal Horticulturist at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, and delivered by a multidisciplinary team of horticulturists and scientists, the project will conduct trials across major growing regions including Bundaberg, QLD and the Northern Rivers of NSW.

Dr Haberman said: “Our goal is to give growers a deeper understanding of how macadamia trees function, how they allocate resources, respond to stress, and ultimately produce high-quality nuts. By identifying the physiological tipping points that influence yield and kernel recovery, we can help growers fine-tune their orchard practices and improve outcomes season after season.”

This project (MC24003) is funded by Hort Innovation, using the macadamia research and development levy, contributions from the Australian Government, and co-investment from the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Griffith University.