Cashing in on demand for macadamia nut

MANILA, Philippines - Macadamia is a valuable cash crop that remains underexploited but has great potential to boost the country’s export revenues and improve the livelihood of farmers.

Despite the fact that macadamia nuts command a high price in the market -- twice that of cashew – the market is unfilled as local production is scarce. To address this, the  Bureau of Agricultural Research and the Bureau of Plant Industry-Baguio National Crop Research Development and Production Support Center  have started a program aimed at boosting the production of local macadamia.

The two agencies are embarking on a research and development project that will help develop and promote the commercial production of macadamia in Luzon. The project, “Macadamia Conservation, Propagation and Commercialization in Luzon”, aims to improve farming systems and biodiversity through the integration of macadamia production, and make available quality macadamia seedlings.

Jorge Disuanco, president and CEO of MacNut Philippines Inc., said the planting of macadamia nuts in Mindanao and the rest of the country  is expected to not only increase  the number of trees in the islands, but also improve the economy of the people.

Macadamia is the world’s most nutritious nut and demand worldwide is high. With the low production cost in the Philippines, it can be a very viable export business for the country. Macadamia nuts are in great demand in the food industry especially in the production of chocolates, gourmet biscuits, ice-cream, and snack products.

It is known as a rich source of energy, providing nearly 718 calories/100 grams. Its oil has one of the highest levels of monounsaturated fats and contains no cholesterol. Since macadamia is free from gluten protein, it is one of the ingredients preferred for gluten-free food formula preparations.

The target of macadamia-growing is to consistently produce large crops of high quality kernels. To achieve this, it is essential to have good basic knowledge of what governs quality plant material production.

Macadamias are easily grown from seed, but the seedlings may take eight to 12 years to bear a crop and the quality of the nuts is unpredictable.

Grafting is the most common method of producing new trees. Budding is also possible as well as propagation from softwood cutting and air-layering. Macadamia may also be propagated through cuttings.

Rooting of cuttings is generally a less expensive operation than grafting for the varieties which root readily and grow well from cuttings. However, trees grown from rooted cuttings take some time to develop an adequate root system and will need staking when young. Some grafted varieties of macadamias begin bearing within two years, while others take seven to eight years. 

In the experimental station in Baguio City, there are eight fully-grown macadamia trees that are about 15 years old and are already fruiting all year round. The trees show good promise of locally-grown macadamia for commercial production.

The project has ongoing verification trials on germination, grafting techniques, and use of cuttings for propagation in the station.

Researchers are experimenting on several nursery management technologies using different potting media and soil additives. About 500 cuttings that were set under intermittent mist are now in the callous stage which will eventually produce roots. A total of 150 seedlings were asexually propagated and are being maintained through regular watering, fertilizer application, and pest and disease management.

The existing trees in the station are being maintained as sources of scions for grafting of seedlings and cuttings for propagation. The harvested nuts are used for seedling production.

In addition, 437 macadamia nuts that were sown are now starting to germinate. The harvesting of macadamia nuts is continuously being done since the existing macadamia trees are bearing continuously.

The project has verified the adaptability of the macadamia tree to Baguio City conditions, taking into consideration the macadamia trees at the station that have matured.