A tough nut to crack: Insights from the National Macadamia Breeding Program
Abstract
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 insights from the National Macadamia Breeding and Evaluation Program, which is improving the efficiency of breeding and developing new cultivars for industry.
The National Macadamia Breeding and Evaluation Program is funded by Hort Innovation, using the macadamia research and development levy, contributions from the Australian Government and co-investment from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
Professor Bruce Topp
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.
Prof Bruce Topp, Centre for Horticultural Science, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, UQ E: b.topp@uq.edu.au
For any questions, please contact the QAAFI Science Seminar Committee.
For any questions, please contact the QAAFI Science Seminar Committee.
About Science Seminars
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation hosts science seminars across the disciplines of animal, horticulture, crop, food and nutritional sciences.
With a range of speakers from Australia and abroad, the series explores how high-impact science will significantly improve the competitiveness and sustainability of the tropical and sub-tropical food, fibre and agribusiness sectors.
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The Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation is a research institute at The University of Queensland supported by the Queensland Government via the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.
