Macadamia problem solver & bug identifier

Reprint – information current in 2003

REPRINT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ!

For updated information please call 13 25 23 or visit the website www.deedi.qld.gov.au

This publication has been reprinted as a digital book without any changes to the content published in 2003. We advise
readers to take particular note of the areas most likely to be out-of-date and so requiring further research:
• Chemical recommendations—check with an agronomist or Infopest www.infopest.qld.gov.au
• Financial information—costs and returns listed in this publication are out of date. Please contact an adviser or
industry body to assist with identifying more current figures.
• Varieties—new varieties are likely to be available and some older varieties may no longer be recommended. Check
with an agronomist, call the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23, visit our website www.deedi.qld.gov.au or
contact the industry body.
• Contacts—many of the contact details may have changed and there could be several new contacts available. The
industry organisation may be able to assist you to find the information or services you require.
• Organisation names—most government agencies referred to in this publication have had name changes. Contact
the Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or the industry organisation to find out the current name and
contact details for these agencies.
• Additional information—many other sources of information are now available for each crop. Contact an
agronomist, Business Information Centre on 13 25 23 or the industry organisation for other suggested reading.
Even with these limitations we believe this information kit provides important and valuable information for intending
and existing growers.
This publication was last revised in 2003. The information is not current and the accuracy of the information
cannot be guaranteed by the State of Queensland.
This information has been made available to assist users to identify issues involved in macadamia production. This
information is not to be used or relied upon by users for any purpose which may expose the user or any other person to
loss or damage. Users should conduct their own inquiries and rely on their own independent professional advice.
While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for
decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in
this publication.
 Fruitspotting and bananaspotting bug
damage - 1
Cause: The fruitspotting bug Amblypelta nitida and the
bananaspotting bug Amblypelta lutescens lutescens.
Identification: Often, the first indication of damage is a
heavy fall of young green nuts. On some varieties, dark
sunken spots may be present on the surface of the husk, but
in many cases, there are no external symptoms. Nuts need
to be sectioned to confirm the presence of damage. Here,
brown lesions will be obvious on the inside of the husk and
Spots on a young green nut Sectioned nut showing lesion on on the developing soft shell and kernel. When shells start to
inside of husk (nut removed) harden, damage shows as small light brown pin-point marks,
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craters or crinkled spots on the shell. These become darker
and sunken as the nuts develop. Kernel damage appears as
brown watersoaked spots. Damage is generally worse in
orchards adjacent to rainforest. Bananaspotting bug occurs
in Queensland only. It also attacks shoots – see symptoms on
page 46. See next page for bug identification details.
Treatment: Spray with an appropriate registered insecticide
if 4% or more of sampled green fallen nuts are affected in
any one week or 2.5% or more in consecutive weeks.
Sectioned nut showing damage to Early damage to hardening shell
soft shell and developing kernel Prevention: Regularly monitor nuts so that the problem can
be treated as soon as the action level is reached. Monitor first
in areas adjacent to rainforest or known ‘hot spots’, as this is
where damage is generally first seen. In some cases, spraying
may be necessary only in these parts of the orchard.

102 Appearance of damage as nut matures Damage to kernel 103

Fruitspotting and bananaspotting bug

damage - 2
older nymph Cause: The fruitspotting bug Amblypelta nitida and the
adult bananaspotting bug Amblypelta lutescens lutescens.
Identification: See previous pages for symptoms of dam-
age. The nymphs and adults of the bugs tend to hide when
approached so may be difficult to see. Nymphs may be green
or orange-red to brown in colour, with a pair of large black
young spots on the abdomen. Bananaspotting bug has distinctive
nymph light-red stippling surrounding the large black spots. Adult
bugs are somewhat rectangular in shape, slender in build,
winged, and light green to yellow-brown in colour. Adults
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are about 12 to 15 mm long (body only – not including an-

Fruitspotting bug nymphs and adult – actual size of adult about 12 to 15 cm long
(excluding antennae) tennae). Nymphs increase in size from 2 mm to 10 mm as
they develop through the five nymphal stages. Damage is
generally worse in orchards adjacent to rainforest. Banan-
aspotting bug occurs in Queensland only.
Treatment: Spray with an appropriate registered insecticide
if 4% or more of sampled green fallen nuts are affected in
any one week or 2.5% or more in consecutive weeks.
Prevention: Regularly monitor nuts so that the problem can
be treated as soon as the action level is reached. Monitor first
in areas adjacent to rainforest or known ‘hot spots’, as this is
Bananaspotting bug adult – actual where damage is generally first seen. In some cases, spraying
Banana spotting bug nymph size about 12 to 15 mm long (excluding may be necessary only in these parts of the orchard.
– actual size about 10 mm long antennae)
(excluding antennae)

104 105
 larva Macadamia nutborer damage -1
Cause: Larvae of the macadamia nutborer Cryptophlebia
ombrodelta.
Identification: Eggs are laid on the surface of the green husk.
On hatching, larvae burrow into the husk and while the shell
is still soft, are able to tunnel through and feed on the kernel.
pupa
The entry hole in the husk often has larval faeces protruding
from it. Damage often leaves shallow dimple-like marks on
the shell. Once the shell has hardened, tunnelling is usually
confined to the husk. On occasions, larvae may penetrate the
shell of some mature nuts, particularly thin-shelled varie-
ties, and nuts with shells weakened by other insects such as
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fruitspotting bug. Infested nuts generally fall prematurely,
Infested nut showing larval faeces Internal damage to a nut
protruding from the entry hole
reducing yield and nut quality. Moulds may enter through
entry holes, further reducing quality.
Treatment: Spray with an appropriate registered insecticide
if green, fallen nuts are damaged and live unparasitised eggs
are found on nuts on the tree. Larvae must be killed before
they enter the nut otherwise it is difficult to contact them
with the spray. This requires regular monitoring of fallen
nuts and nuts on the tree, and prompt spraying.
Prevention: To prevent carry-over from one season to the
next, remove old nuts from the tree and orchard floor at the
end of the harvest, discourage out of season nut set and avoid
varieties with a sticktight problem. Regularly monitor nuts so
that treatment is applied as soon as the action level is reached.
Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which
Damage to mature nuts showing Kernel damage. Mould often enters includes the use of less disruptive insecticides with minimal
106 the holes made by the larvae through the entry hole of the larva impact on beneficial insects. 107

Macadamia nutborer damage -2

pupa
Cause: Larvae of the macadamia nutborer Cryptophlebia
ombrodelta.

newly laid Identification: Eggs are scale-like, oval-shaped, about 1

hatched mm across, and vary in colour from ivory-white when first
laid, to red prior to hatching. Fully-grown larvae are up to
22 mm long and pinkish in colour, with discrete dark green
spots. Larvae pupate in the damaged nuts or husks. Pupae
fully grown
larva
young larva are brown. Adult female moths have a wingspan of up to
eggs about 25 mm. They are reddish brown in colour with a distinctive
to hatch
black triangular mark on the hind margin of each forewing.
This forms a dark spot when the wings are folded. Male
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moths are smaller and lighter in colour.
Eggs on the surface of a husk Close-up of larvae and pupa removed
(actual size 1 mm across) from nuts (actual size of fully-grown Treatment: Spray with an appropriate registered insecticide
larva 22 mm long)
if green, fallen nuts are damaged and live unparasitised eggs
are found on nuts on the tree. Larvae must be killed before
they enter the nut otherwise it is difficult to contact them
with the spray. This requires regular monitoring of fallen
nuts and nuts on the tree, and prompt spraying.
Prevention: To prevent carry-over from one season to the
next, remove old nuts from the tree and orchard floor at the
end of the harvest, discourage out of season nut set and avoid
varieties with a sticktight problem. Regularly monitor nuts so
that treatment is applied as soon as the action level is reached.
Use an integrated pest management (IPM) approach, which
includes the use of less disruptive insecticides with minimal
impact on beneficial insects.

108 Adult moths – female (left) and male (right) – actual size up to 20 mm long 109
 Husk spot disease
Cause: The fungus Pseudocercospora macadamiae.
Identification: Earliest symptoms are pale yellow flecks
with a diffuse halo on husks. Note that these flecks can eas-
ily be confused with similar spots caused by nuts touching
within a bunch. With husk spot, these expand to become
darker yellow to tan-brown, circular spots, 5 to 10 mm in
diameter. Spots occur on three-quarter to full-size nuts only.
Under moist conditions, spots produce a grey velvety carpet
of fungal spores. Dried husk spots are woody and harder to
cut through with a knife than the surrounding husk tissue.
On the internal surface of the husk, spots are circular and tan
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coloured until the nut reaches maturity when the husk turns
Husk spot symptoms showing a range of spot development (early stage bottom dark brown. The shell and kernel are not affected. Infected
left)
nuts drop up to six weeks prematurely.
Treatment: Spray with an appropriate registered fungicide.
However, once lesions are evident on husks, the disease is
difficult to control with conventional sprays.
Prevention: Harvest nuts as soon as possible after nut ma-
turity is reached. This ensures that carry-over of the fungus
from one crop to the next is minimised. In areas with a his-
tory of the problem, start preventative sprays in September
to early October. Canopy pruning to improve air circulation
may help to reduce disease severity.

110 Internal symptoms. Note that the shell is not affected 111

Rat damage
Cause: The black rat Rattus rattus.
Identification: Holes about 1 cm in diameter are gnawed
through the shell to allow the rats to eat the kernel.
Treatment: Bait with appropriate registered rodenticides in
and around farm buildings as well as the orchard. Prevent
all access to the baits by children, domestic animals and
non-target wildlife by using bait stations.
Prevention: Remove all food sources for rats such as old
nuts, nut waste and wild tobacco. Remove rat harbourage
within and close to the orchard. This includes bana grass,
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Rat-damaged nuts under tree long grass, weeds, fallen trees and scrub. Destroy rat nests
in trees. Flood in-ground nests and net or use fox terriers to
catch rats. Avoid dumping nut waste from grading and sort-
ing operations in and around the orchard. Before and during
harvesting, keep grass within the orchard and on headlands
mown short. Where possible, maintain a clear mown area
up to 20 m wide around the perimeter of the orchard. This
deters rats from entering the orchard as they tend to avoid
open areas. It also helps predators such as owls and hawks
to hunt the rats. Owls can be encouraged by providing nest-
ing boxes.

Close-up of damage

112 113
 Premature nut drop
Cause: Natural thinning, fruitspotting bug damage, nut-
borer damage, husk spot, heat stress, storm damage or tree
decline.
Identification: Large numbers of green nuts drop. There
are two periods of natural nut drop: 3 to 8 weeks and 10 to
30 weeks after flowering. Nut drop from fruitspotting bug
occurs early during nut development and coincides with the
first period of natural nut drop. Husk spot and nutborer cause
premature drop in later stages of nut development, coinciding
Premature nut drop
with the second period of natural nut drop.
Fallen green nuts need to be closely examined and sectioned
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to identify the cause.
Treatment: Treatment is only required if the nut drop is
caused by fruitspotting bug, nutborer or husk spot. Follow
recommendations on pages 103, 107 and 111.
Prevention: Prevent unnatural nut drop by following the
Look for these symptoms in green fallen nuts: fruitspotting bug damage – left,
external; right, internal (sectioned with nut removed). Note that in some varieties, preventative measures for fruitspotting bug, nutborer or
there are no external symptoms. Nuts must be sectioned to properly identify damage husk spot on pages 103, 107 and 111. Manage all orchard
operations carefully to minimise natural nut fall.

114 Macadamia nutborer damage Husk spot 115

Scale insect infestation

Cause: Mainly macadamia white scale (Pseudaulacaspis
brimblecombei) and latania scale (Hemiberlesia lataniae).
Identification: Appearance varies from small white ‘snow-
like’ scale patches to small, greyish, discrete, circular, raised
spots. Scales are up to 2 mm across. Scale insects may also
affect leaves and branches – see symptoms on page 14.
Treatment: Spray affected trees with an appropriate
registered insecticide. Spray only affected trees and trees in
their immediate vicinity. Sprays should be targeted at periods
when scales are moving to shoots and nuts. Seek specialist
advice from a macadamia pest consultant as frequent use
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of some chemicals destroys the natural enemies and may

Macadamia white scale
encourage build-up of the pest.
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be treated before it gets out of hand. Use an integrated
pest management (IPM) approach, which includes the use
of less disruptive insecticides with minimal impact on ben-
eficial insects. As scales are commonly introduced into an
orchard on nursery plants, carefully inspect these on arrival.
If detected, disinfest before use.

116 Latania scale 117

 Husk rot disease
Cause: The fungi Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (anthra-
cnose) and Stilbella sp.
Identification: The fungi produces diffuse black spots 5
to 10 mm in diameter on the green husk. Spots coalesce to
form a rapidly spreading, dark coloured greasy decay which
penetrates to the shell. In wet, humid weather, a fungal spore
mass develops in the centre of the spots. For the anthrac-
nose fungus, this is greyish and waxy in appearance. For
the Stilbella fungus, it appears as a myriad of small bright
orange fruiting bodies. Affected nuts may drop prematurely
and quality can be affected. The fungi usually enter through
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insect damage wounds.
Typical symptoms of anthracnose husk rot
Treatment: As damage is generally sporadic and of minor
importance, treatment is generally not necessary. Copper
fungicide sprays applied for other diseases may be of benefit
where the problem is serious.
Prevention: Prevent husk damage by insects such as fruit-
spotting bug and nutborer. Compost macadamia husks before
use as mulch under trees. This helps reduce the level of fungal
activity within the orchard.

A range of symptoms of anthracnose Stilbella husk rot

husk rot showing the penetration of the
118 fungus through the husk to the shell 119

Early germination of nuts

Cause: Favourable conditions for natural germination in
fallen nuts. These include excessive wet weather, heavy
ground mulch or heavy leaf fall keeping nuts moist, or nuts
being left on the ground for too long. In some varieties, nuts
may germinate early while still in the green husk stage on
the tree (known as pre-germination).
Identification: Shells split on the micropyle end of the nut,
following the suture line. The kernel may have a brown
or greenish discolouration of the keel end, and has a bitter
taste.
Typical germination split in shell
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts, which
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should be discarded during sorting.

Prevention: Harvest nuts regularly, particularly during wet
weather. Manage mulch so that it is at a minimum level
before the first nut fall. Do not plant varieties susceptible
to pre-germination.

Kernel discolouration

120 121
 Sticktight nuts
Cause: A characteristic of some varieties, particularly Own
Choice. The problem may be worse in dry seasons. The nuts
have the potential to act as a source for various pest and
disease problems.
Identification: Desiccated nuts-in-husk remain in the tree
after maturity. This is distinct from late maturity where the
husk remains green.
Treatment: There is no practical treatment. Tree shaking
may help to remove a large percentage of sticktight nuts.
Prevention: Avoid varieties such as Own Choice that are
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susceptible to the problem. Where irrigation is available,
Sticktight nuts maintain adequate soil moisture during dry seasons.

Cracked shells
Cause: Mechanical damage to nuts from harvester elevators
or dehusking machines.
Identification: Shells are cracked along indiscriminate and
variable lines. Mouldy kernels result from moulds entering
the nuts through the cracks.
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts, which
shold be discarded during sorting.
Prevention: Reduce the risk of damage by careful handling
of nuts during harvesting and dehusking. Monitor the de-
husked nut-in-shell. If the number of cracked nuts-in-shell
Cracked shells. Kernel
Cracked shells. Note the variable symptom showing mould is too high, inspect dehusker for broken components and
122 cracking growth adjust pressure. 123

Yellow peach moth damage

Cause: Larvae of the yellow peach moth Dichocrocis
punctiferalis.
Identification: Larvae burrow into the husk and while the
shell is still soft, are able to tunnel through and feed on the
kernel. Larval faeces often protrude from affected areas. The
larvae are similar to those of macadamia nut borer, but are
slightly larger (up to 25 mm long) and the dark spots on the
body are larger and more oval in shape. Once the shell has
hardened, tunnelling is usually confined to the husk. The
insect has a preference for nuts in clusters and damaged nuts
are often retained in clusters by insect webbing, long after
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the husk has died. Moulds may enter through entry holes,
Typical damage. Note the insect Adult moth – actual size wingspan
faeces on affected areas of 25 mm
reducing kernel quality. Adult moths are orange-yellow in
colour, with a number of conspicuous black spots on the
wings and body, and with a wingspan of 25 mm.
Treatment: Specific treatment for this pest is rarely neces-
sary, as sprays applied for nutborer generally keep it in check.
Where necessary, spray affected trees with an appropriate
registered insecticide.
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be treated before it gets out of hand. Use an integrated
pest management (IPM) approach, which includes the use
of less disruptive insecticides with minimal impact on ben-
eficial insects.

124 Larva on damaged nut –actual size 25 mm long 125

 Black shells
Cause: Nuts being left on the ground for too long. This
causes the natural macadamia oil to exude through the
shell. Note that husk rot may produce similar symptoms
– see page 118.
Identification: Shells turn dark and in some cases have an
oily appearance. While the nuts may appear sound, keeping qual-
ity is reduced. Kernels generally have a mouldy appearance.
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts, which
should be discarded during sorting.
Prevention: Harvest nuts regularly.
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nut problems
Black shells – typical appearance Black shells – kernel symptoms Pale shells and/or shrivelled kernel
Cause: Immature nuts dropped prematurely from insect
damage, disease, moisture stress or nutritional problems. It
can occur naturally in some varieties. Can be confused with
early drop nuts that open up and expose shells to sunburn.
Identification: Shell colour is paler than normal; kernels
are small and misshapen with either a large keel (pointed)
or split, incomplete cotyledon. Oil content is lower than
the commercially acceptable standard. Such kernels sink
when oven dried and floated in tap water (specific gravity
less than 1.0).
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts, which
should be discarded during sorting.
Prevention: Maintain good management of nutrition, soil
Pale shells Shrivelled kernels – pointed (top) and
126 incomplete cotyledon (bottom) moisture, pest and disease control during the final stages of 127
nut development.

Thrips damage
Cause: Flower thrips (Scirtothrips sp.), greenhouse thrips
(Heliothrips haemorrhoidatis), and redbanded thrips (Se-
lenothrips rubrocinctus).
Identification: Thrips feed on the outer husk, causing a
brown or bronze discolouration. Yields or quality are not
usually significantly affected. Adult thrips are tiny (actual
size less than 1.5 mm long) and not readily visible to the
Flower thrips damage Adult flower thrips (actual naked eye. Adult flower thrips are orange-brown in colour,
size less than 1.5 mm long)
while adult greenhouse and redbanded thrips are black in
colour. Nymphs of the redbanded thrips are distinctive with
their light yellow colour and bright orange band. Flower
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thrips may also affect leaves and flowers – see symptoms
on pages 16 and 84.
Treatment: As damage is generally sporadic and does not
significantly affect yield, specific treatment is not normally
required. Where necessary, spray with an appropriate regis-
tered insecticide. Spray only affected trees and trees in their
Greenhouse thrips damage
Adult greenhouse thrips (actual
immediate vicinity (‘hot spots’). These are areas within the
size less than 1.5 mm long) orchard where the pest is usually found each year. Heavy
infestations are often reduced significantly following heavy
rain – in these situations, spraying may not be necessary.
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be treated before it gets out of hand. Use an integrated
pest management (IPM) approach, which includes the use
of less disruptive insecticides with minimal impact on ben-
eficial insects.
Nymphs of redbanded thrips (actual size less
128 Redbanded thrips damage than 2 mm long) 129
 Mite damage
Cause: The broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus and the
nymphs citrus flat mite Brevipalpus lewisi.
Identification: Both mites cause brown, rusty scarring of the
husk. Yields or quality are not usually significantly affected.
The mites are extremely small – less than 0.3 mm long – and
are not visible with the naked eye. Broad mite also affects
leaves and flowers – see symptoms on pages 18 and 92.
eggs Treatment: As damage is generally sporadic and does not
significantly affect yield, specific treatment is not normally
required.
nut problems

Close-up of broad mites – highly

nut problems
magnified – actual size less than Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
Nuts damaged by broad mite 0.3 mm long)
can be treated before it gets out of hand. Use an integrated
pest management (IPM) approach, which includes the use
of less disruptive insecticides with minimal impact on ben-
eficial insects.

Close-up of citrus flat mite adults

(actual size less than 0.3 mm long)
130 Nuts damaged by citrus flat mite and eggs (arrowed) 131

Kernel grub damage

Cause: Larvae of the kernel grub Assara seminivale.
Identification: Moths lay eggs on nuts in the field prior to
harvest. Larvae gain access to the kernel either through an
open micropyle, or when other insects such as nutborer or
fruitspotting bug have damaged the shell. The larvae then
consume the entire kernel, replacing it with a webbed mass
of insect faeces. Larvae are cream coloured and up to 15 mm
long. Where infested nuts are brought in from the field, the
pest may also continue to damage nuts in storage.
Treatment: There is no practical treatment for affected
nuts.
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nut problems

Prevention: Careful management of other pests such as

Kernel grub damage. Note the larva Range of damage – internal damage nutborer and fruitspotting bug will prevent most kernel
in the lower nut (actual size up to 15 (top and centre), entry hole (lower) grub damage.
mm long)

132 Damaged kernels showing larvae and extensive webbing 133

 Animal damage
Cause: Eating of nuts by either feral pigs or wild dogs.
Identification: Pig damage can be recognised by the pres-
ence of small angular-shaped pieces of shell under the tree.
Dog damage results in a more irregular range of damaged
nuts and kernel, with some larger pieces and others with an
obviously chewed appearance.
Treatment: If damage is extensive, controlled baiting may
be required. This needs approval from relevant authorities.
Electric fencing may be effective for pigs.
Prevention: The problem is very difficult to prevent, es-
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pecially in orchards near heavily forested areas. Before the
Feral pig damage
trees get too large, harvesting directly from the tree may be
an option in orchards with a major problem. Ensure nuts are
tested for maturity before tree harvest.

134 Wild dog damage 135

Open micropyle
Cause: A varietal weakness, mainly in 246.
Identification: The problem is an incomplete shell formation
at the micropyle end. In some cases, the kernel even extrudes
through the hole. The hole, sometimes up to 3 mm in diam-
eter, lets in water, mould and insect pests. Not all trees are
affected, and the problem varies from season to season.
Treatment: As the problem is varietal, there is no treatment.
Harvest regularly to prevent deterioration of quality.
Prevention: Maintaining adequate soil moisture and nutri-
Open micropyle – left: typical tion during the cropping period may help.
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nut problems
symptoms; right: affected kernel from
moulds entering the open micorpyle

Adhering husk
dimple Cause: A varietal characteristic, mainly in H2, 842 and
344.
Identification: Parts of the husk remain on the end of the
shell after dehusking. After shelling, the husk particles may
adhere to the kernel causing some discolouration.
Treatment: As the problem is varietal, there is no treat-
ment.

husk Prevention: Where possible, avoid planting susceptible

varieties.

136 Adhering husk . Note the dimple – another varietal characteristic 137
 Cornelian butterfly damage
Cause: Larvae of the cornelian butterfly Deudorix epijarbas diovis.
Identification: Larvae tunnel into green nuts and eat the
kernel. The slug-like larvae grow to about 25 mm long and
are purplish brown with orange and green markings. Adult
butterflies have a wingspan of 40 mm and are two-toned or-
ange and dark blue (female) and overall dark blue (male).
Treatment: Specific treatment for this pest is rarely necessary,
as sprays applied for nutborer generally keep it in check.
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be kept in check. Use an integrated pest management
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nut problems
(IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disruptive
Cornelian butterfly larva and damage Cornelian butterfly adults – female insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.
(actual size of larva 25 mm long) (lower); male (upper) – actual size 40
mm wingspan
Nut stemborer damage
Cause: The nut stemborer insect Paranepsia amydra.
Identification: Larvae tunnel into the nut stalk, leaving a
circular hole surrounded by insect faeces. They feed between
the husk and the shell, causing nut damage and premature
nut fall. The insect may also affect shoots – see symptoms
on page 64.
Treatment: Specific treatment is rarely necessary, as sprays
applied for fruitspotting bug generally keep it in check.
Prevention: Monitor trees. Use an integrated pest manage-
ment (IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disrup-
tive insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.
138 Nut stemborer damage 139

Macadamia twig-girdler damage

Cause: Larvae of the macadamia twig-girdler Neodrepta
luteotactella.
Identification: Larvae tunnel within the husk and kernel.
Often large gouges are eaten in the surface of the husk. Dam-
age can be similar to that of nutborer. Mature larvae are up to
25 mm long and a brown mottled colour with a black head
capsule and longitudinal rows of dark-brown dots. The insect
may also affect leaves – see symptoms on page 10.
Treatment: Specific treatment for this pest is rarely necessary,
as sprays applied for other pests generally keep it in check.
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nut problems
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
Twig girdler larva and damage. Mature larvae are easily confused with those of
macadamia nutborer
can be kept in check. Use an integrated pest management
(IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disruptive
insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.

Hail damage
Cause: Impact damage from hailstones.
Identification: Hail impact results in spots and marks of
variable size and shape. Damage is generally restricted to one
side of the nut, in most cases on the exposed side of the tree.
Treatment: There is no treatment, but as damage makes the
nuts more susceptible to insect damage and husk rot, extra at-
tention should be given to management of these problems.
Prevention: Keep trees healthy to maintain as much protec-
140 Hail damage tive canopy as possible. 141
 Spray damage
Cause: Damage from either emulsifiable concentrate in-
secticides applied under hot or slow drying conditions, or
incompatible chemicals being applied in mixtures.
Identification: Symptoms vary widely depending on the
cause. Common symptoms are an uneven bronzing or scar-
ring of the husk surface. Damage is generally restricted to
one side of the nut, in most cases on the side exposed to
the spray.
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts.
Prevention: Check the labels of chemicals to make sure they
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nut problems
are compatible and are being used at the correct rates. Spray
Spray damage
during the morning when the spray dries more quickly. Avoid
spraying on very hot days. Regularly calibrate the sprayer
and check nozzles for wear and tear.

Water stress
Cause: Lack of soil moisture during the nut growth stage.
Damage occurs when this is followed by a period of
adequate moisture.
Identification: Although the kernel is normal in size, the
shell is usually thinner. As a result, the nut splits open when being
handled after drying, exposing the kernel to mould and dirt.
Treatment: There is no treatment for affected nuts.
Prevention: Where irrigation is available, ensure trees are
well watered during the nut growth stage. Use soil moisture
142 Water stress monitoring systems such as capacitance probes or tensiometers. 143

Pencilled blue butterfly damage

Cause: Larvae of the pencilled blue butterfly Candalides
absimilis.
Identification: Larvae feed on newly-set nuts, where they
chew holes in the husk surface and the nut stalks. Larvae
are slug-like, up to 16 mm long, and with colour varying
according to the diet. Adult butterflies have a wingspan of
60 mm and are two-toned dark blue and white.
Larva and damage
Treatment: Specific treatment for this pest is rarely nec-
essary, as sprays applied for nutborer generally keep it in
check.
nut problems

nut problems
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be kept in check. Use an integrated pest management
(IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disruptive
insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.

Close-up of larva (actual size up to 16 mm long)

144 Butterfly adult (actual size up to 60 mm wingspan) 145

 Mealybug infestation
Cause: The hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus.
Identification: The mealybugs generally congregate on the
nut stalk where they produce honeydew secretions. Sooty
mould often grows on the secretions. Adult mealybugs
are oval-shaped, about 4 mm long, with thin filaments
extending from the body, and covered by a thin coating of
greyish-white mealy wax. The insect may also infest leaves
– see symptoms on page 36.
Treatment: Treatment is rarely necessary as outbreaks are
sporadic and natural enemies, mainly the predatory mealybug
ladybird (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri), generally provide
nut problems

nut problems
Mealybug infestation. Note the sooty mould growth on the nut
adequate control. Serious outbreaks are generally the result
of frequent use of disruptive chemicals for other pests.
Prevention: Use an integrated pest management (IPM) ap-
proach, which includes the use of less disruptive insecticides
with minimal impact on beneficial insects.

mealybug
ladybird larva

Close-up of mealybugs (actual size about 4 mm long) with a larva of the

146 predatory mealybug ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri 147

Leptocoris bug damage

Cause: The scentless plant bugs Leptocoris rufomarginata
and L. tagalica.
Identification: The bugs are similar in shape to fruitspotting
bugs, but L. rufomarginata is slightly larger and L. tagalica
slightly smaller. Both are reddish brown, with the translucent
ends of the wing covers forming a steel blue to black patch.
Individual bugs often go unnoticed in the trees and cause
little damage. In some seasons bugs form aggregations of
thousands causing significant damage to nuts.
Treatment: Specific treatment is rarely necessary, as sprays
applied for fruitspotting bug generally keep it in check.
nut problems

nut problems

Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem

can be kept in check. Use an integrated pest management
Leptocoris bug damage (actual size of bugs 15 mm long) (IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disruptive
insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.

Prominent suture
Cause: A varietal characteristic. Some varieties with promi-
nent suture lines are Daddow, Heilscher, 791 and 741.
Identification: The suture line is very obvious. However,
unlike early germination (see page 120), it does not extend
around the whole circumference of the nut.
Treatment: There is no treatment and nut quality is not
affected.

148
Prevention: There is no need for preventative measures. 149
Prominent suture
 Green vegetable bug damage
Cause: The green vegetable bug Nezara viridula.
Identification: Adults and nymphs of the bug feed on mac-
Bug damage adamia nuts at all stages of nut development, but produce
to kernels
no external symptoms of damage. Damage is not usually
recognised until the nuts have been shelled, when damage
on the surface of the kernel is obvious. Damage consists of
multiple, circular, cottony-coloured spots or depressions on
the kernel surface. Adult bugs are shield-shaped, green in
colour, and about 15 mm long. Nymphs are black, or green
and black, and spotted with red, green and orange. Damage
can be serious where macadamias are grown in close prox-
nut problems

nut problems
imity to other major bug hosts such as soybean.
Adult bug
(actual size Treatment: During the early stages of nut development,
about 15 mm
long) specific treatment for this pest is generally not necessary,
as sprays applied for fruitspotting bug keep it in check.
However, where green vegetable bugs are active later in nut
development, additional sprays may be necessary.
Prevention: Regularly monitor trees so that the problem
can be kept in check. Use an integrated pest management
(IPM) approach, which includes the use of less disruptive
insecticides with minimal impact on beneficial insects.
Nymphs and
adult (actual
size of nymphs 5
to 12 mm long)

150 151

Sigastus weevil damage

Cause: The weevil Sigastus sp.
Identification: This pest is confined to a small area of the
Atherton Tableland. It attacks nuts of about 5 to 10 mm
diameter until mid-December. The female weevil scarifies
an area of about 3 to 4 mm diameter on the husk and lays a
single egg into it. The egg is either lodged within the husk or
intrudes into the surface of the kernel. After the egg is laid,
the weevil chews about half way through the nut stalk to
induce nut drop. When the egg hatches, the larva consumes
the entire kernel before pupating and exiting the nut as an
adult. Fully grown larvae are up to 10 mm long.
nut problems

nut problems

Typical damage showing the egg- Sectioned nuts showing the larvae After nut shells have hardened (about mid-December), and
laying area and chew mark in the inside the husk (actual size of larvae are no longer suitable for egg laying, adult weevils feed on
stalk to induce nut drop up to 10 mm long)
the green surface of the husk, in some cases completely
removing the outer layer. They also feed on young leaves.
Adult weevils are grey and warty, and about 6 mm long. Up
to 30% of the crop may be lost in unsprayed orchards.
Treatment: Sprays applied for beetles are also effective
against adult weevils. Spraying needs to target the weevils to
prevent egg-laying as larvae inside the husks are not affected.
Where nuts are infested, larvae can be killed by sweeping the
nuts into the interrow space, exposing them to full sunlight.
This prevents the development of adult weevils.
Prevention: Regular, monthly monitoring of orchards is
necessary to detect early weevil activity and determine the
need for spraying.
152 Close-up of larva inside the husk Weevil adult – actual size 6 mm long 153