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Macadamia nuts in green husks on a branch and several cracked shells showing cream kernels, one nut with a stink-bug puncture mark (illustration)

Macadamia Protection Programme

Macadamia nuts in green husks on a branch and several cracked shells showing cream kernels, one nut with a stink-bug puncture mark (illustration)

Macadamia is one of the fastest growing agricultural industries in the country and is of economic importance to South Africa. The industry is however hampered by a number of pests and diseases which can cause major economic loss, both in terms of yield as well as nut quality. The industry currently relies heavily on the use of commercially available pesticides and chemicals for pest and disease control. There is, however, growing concern regarding continuous build-up of resistance, and the long-term sustainability of the industry is dependent on the use of integrated pest management.

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