1. International Roundup:
SOUTH AFRICA
Presented by Derek Donkin on behalf of
the Southern African Macadamia
Growers’ Association

2. Macadamia production regions
Tzaneen
Nelspruit
Jhb
Durban
George

3. Typical tree spacings
… change is the only constant
Pre 1990 9 – 10 m x 5- 6 m
Later 4.5 – 8.0 m x 2.5 – 5.0 m
Currently 7 -9 m x 3.5 – 5.0 m (± 310 trees/ha)

4. Cultivars
Beaumont (695) 33%
788 14%
816 13%
Nelmak (2, D, 26) 9%
69%
Others
( e.g. 344, 814, 741, 791, 246)

5. Cultivars
1.6%
695
2.1%
3.5% 6.5% 816
3.5% 788
32.5% Unknown
6.1% Nelmac (2, 26, D)
344
7.9% 814
741
9.1% 791
13.2%
246
13.9%
Other

6. Typical yields
DIS 1.1 – 3.6 t/ha
Kernel 0.3 – 1 t/ha
Average nut quality parameters 2011
Total Kernel Recovery: Coastal 37.8%
Inland 32.8 %
Sound Kernel: 27.7%
Unsound Kernel: 3.3%
• Early & late stink bug (40 – 50%)
• Immaturity & discolouration

7. Addressing challenges
• Stink bugs
• Canopy management to maintain
consistently high yields
• Post harvest shelf life prediction
• Better cracking technology
• Market development programmes to educate
and increase demand

8. Crop estimates (Nut in shell)
2012 2017 2022
34 000 t 41 800 t 50 000 t ?

9. Thank you