Centuries of selective breeding with apples has led to an increase from 100 trees per ha to up to 10 000 trees per ha in the last 70 years. Macadamia’s natural vigour may restrict options for high-density plantings in certain contexts, and comparing the evergreen macadamia with an inclination to grow vigorously by nature with deciduous apples, is not that simple. Nevertheless, differences aside, basic plant physiology still applies to both of these horticultural crops, and much can be learned by “borrowing” information and principles on which cultivation and tree manipulation in other tree crops are based. Dense, vigorous macadamia trees may limit tree productivity due to source-sink competition and a deficient photosynthetic capacity.  So if one wants to increase tree productivity, does that mean strong vigour needs to be curbed? The answer is somewhat contradictory. Read more

Download article