A tough nut to crack: Insights from the National Macadamia Breeding Program

The Australian macadamia industry has an export value of $300M and is serviced by 800 growers based in Queensland and NSW. Many of the current cultivars are only 2-4 generations removed from their wild progenitors. Breeding has been identified as an industry research priority but it is a slow process and cultivar field trials can occupy large areas of land for decades. This seminar will provide details of the QAAFI-led National Breeding Program that is improving the efficiency of breeding and developing new cultivars for industry.

Professor Bruce Topp leads the National Macadamia Breeding Program and is a program leader in the Centre for Horticultural Science team. His research involves breeding and genetic improvement of horticultural tree crops to improve profitability and sustainability of Australian industries. This has focused on the breeding of peach, plum and macadamia. Improving the speed and efficiency of cultivar development is a major theme of research. He works closely with growers, processors and industry representatives in testing of advanced breeding selections.