Abstract

The growth, yield, kernel quality and wind resistance of Macadamia cv. Ikaika (333) introduced from Hawaii, were studied. The results showed that there was no remarkable difference of trunk height, trunk diameter and canopy diameter fromMacadamia cv. Ikaika (333), Kau (344), Own Choice, Makai (800), and Keauhou (246) at their early years. The yield of young Ikaika trees was much significantly higher than that of Keauhou, Kau, Makai and significantly higher than that of Own Choice in the test field. Furthermore, the yield of Ikaika was higher than that of Keauhou, Kau, and Makai while lower than that of Own Choice in the mainMacadamia producing areas in South China. Compared with the main planting areas in other parts of the world, the yield of Ikaika per tree in China was similar to that in South Africa while lower than that in Australia and America. However, the yield of Ikaika per km² here was obviously higher than that in South Africa, the same to Australia while a bit lower than Hawaii. The kernel ratio, kernel weight and crude fat content of Ikaika were similar to those produced in Australia and Hawaii. Under the condition of tropical cyclone of scale 7 to 11, our data demonstrated that Ikaika’s wind resistance was remarkably lower than Own Choice while higher than Makai, but not significantly different from Keauhou and Kau.

Key words: Macadamia integrifolia, Ikaika (333), yield, kernel quality, wind resistance.