Annual Macadamia plant protection guide available on NSW DPIRD website for 2025

18 Sep 2025

The 2025 edition of the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) Macadamia plant protection guide is now available online.

This comprehensive resource supports commercial macadamia growers in managing pests and diseases during all stages of orchard development, with practical, science-based advice tailored to Australian conditions.

NSW DPIRD Development Officer – Macadamias, Jeremy Bright, said the guide is designed to help growers protect their orchards from pests, diseases and environmental stressors while supporting long-term productivity.

“This guide supports integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) strategies, tailored to the unique conditions of macadamia farms in Australia,” Mr Bright said.

Key topics covered in the guide include:

• Pesticide management – legal and practical responsibilities during pesticide application, including mapping sensitive areas such as water bodies and wildlife habitats, and establishing buffer zones.
• Chemical safety – best practices for chemical storage and disposal, with programs such as bagMUSTER, drumMUSTER and ChemClear highlighted for responsible waste management.
• Monitoring and treatment – guidance on pest and disease identification, monitoring techniques, and treatment options, including when to use contractors or in-house spraying.
• Disease management – integrated strategies to manage major threats such as Phytophthora and Botryosphaeria canker.

Mr Bright said the guide complements the Integrated Orchard Management (IOM) framework, particularly for Stage 2 (bearing trees), helping growers maintain high productivity through pruning, canopy management, and soil health strategies.

“The benefits to the Australian macadamia industry are significant, supporting growers, workers, consultants, processors and the broader supply chain,” Mr Bright said.p>“It aims to provide responsible, best-practice IPDM that builds on a strong social licence.”

Mr Bright added a new feature in this year’s guide is a co-authored article by Jeremy Bright and Kevin Quinlan, outlining critical lessons from the 2022 floods and the 2025 cyclone.

“The article highlights the importance of building resilience in macadamia orchards against extreme weather events.

“The article details the types of damage caused by inundation, washouts and high winds – including root exposure, branch breakage and increased disease susceptibility – and provides targeted strategies for prevention and recovery.”

Hard copies of the guide will be available from local agricultural retailers and regional associations from late September 2025.

Visit the NSW DPIRD website to access a digital copy of the Macadamia plant protection guide.

Media contact: pi.media@dpird.nsw.gov.au