Superior rootstock and varietal genetics and adapting broadacre modelling technology are likely keys to boosting below-potential yields in Australian tropical crops.

The industry lags well behind other agriculture sectors in terms of maximising yields, speakers told the recent “Smart science for horticulture enterprises” conference at Surfers Paradise, Queensland, attended by almost 200 Australia and New Zealand growers, scientists, consultants and marketers.

By comparison, Australian broadacre agricultural productivity averaged 2.5pc annual growth in the past 50 years – well ahead of global food productivity increases averaging 1.5pc – said horticulture and forestry science general manager at Queensland Department of Primary Industries, John Chapman.

“The challenge for horticulture is to achieve similar gains.”

Mr Chapman says macadamia and mango growing need the most research and development yield attention.

Average yields for Australian macadamia production – most of which happened in north-eastern NSW – were about four tonnes/ha of nut-in-shell, but achieving a five tonne best practice across the board would be critical for the economic success of the industry, Mr Chapman said.

“Macadamias face a serious competitive issue with almonds, which are averaging yields of 2.4t/ha,” he said.

“Genetic research has single progeny (macadamia) trees achieving 100pc increases in yield.

"So the potential for big yield lifts is there.”