System maps pests that affect macadamia production

Brazilian macadamia nut production has received a significant technological boost to address the crop's phytosanitary challenges. Developed by Embrapa Meio Ambiente (SP), the InsetoNutWeb system brings together an unprecedented collection of information on entomofauna and acarofauna—a group of insects and mites, both pests and natural enemies—recorded on macadamia plantations in Brazil and abroad. The tool is free and can be accessed on computers and tablets with iOS and Android operating systems.

It's a web-based system using computer language, encompassing hypertext (HTML and PHP) and databases (MySQL), providing online access to comprehensive information on insect and mite pests relevant to macadamia cultivation. It's innovative, as there's no similar technology focused on this nut in Brazil.

The initiative is the result of a technical cooperation agreement between Embrapa and the company QueenNut Indústria e Comércio de Alimentos Ltda., running from September 2019 to September 2024, operated by the InsetoNut project (Survey of Associated Entomofauna Present and Identification of Absent Exotic Insect Pests, with Potential for Damage to Macadamia Cultivation).

This project addressed both the identification of predictions and beneficial species associated with macadamia cultivation in producing areas in Brazil, and the responses reported as present in macadamia-producing countries abroad: Australia, South Africa, China, Colombia, Korea, Costa Rica, Egypt, United States (Hawaii), Guatemala, India, Iran, Israel, Malawi, New Zealand, Paraguay, Kenya, United Kingdom, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Based on a survey of nut yield forecasts in these countries, the regulatory project identified 18 exotic species flagged by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAPA) as Absent Quarantine Pests (PQA) for Brazil, and therefore at imminent risk of entering the country with the potential to cause damage to several national crops. In the identification of insects and mites, the research also subsequently published various pieces of information to support the identification, monitoring, and management of the identified species, both in the literature and in the macadamia areas assessed by the project.

The evaluation of entomofauna present in plantations in Brazil took place primarily in the Dois Córregos area, São Paulo state, a major producer of macadamia nuts. The insect and mite survey was conducted on two macadamia cultivars: IAC 4-12B and HAES 333. Branches, leaves, racemes, and fruits were collected from 2020 to 2025 and taken to the Entomology and Phytopathology Laboratory (LEF) at Embrapa Meio Ambiente for analysis, recording, separation (parataxonomy), and storage.

Some individuals were mounted with entomological pins and sent for taxonomic identification by researchers Marcoandre Savaris and Sinval Neto of the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo (Esalq/USP). To evaluate the presence of mites, samples were sent to researcher Jeferson Mineiro of the Biological Institute (IB). Samples containing thrips (small insects) were sent to researcher Élison Lima of the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). InsetoNut, stored in the collection room of the Costa Lima Quarantine Laboratory (LQC) at Embrapa Meio Ambiente.

The InsetoNutWeb system was developed by analyst Cláudia Crecci, with the participation of researchers Jeanne Prado and Maria Conceição Pessoa, all from Embrapa Meio Ambiente, and agricultural engineer Leonardo Moriya from QueenNut.

Support for official measures against quarantine declarations

According to Prado, leader of the InsetoNut project, the system stands out for its interactive interface, which allows users to search for detailed information about the identified species. "Users can consult data such as the feeding habits of insects and mites and the location of the plant where they were found, in addition to accessing photos of the collected species, which facilitates field sampling evaluation and the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs," she explains. The researcher adds that, in the Dois Córregos (SP) production area, several species of natural enemies and pollinators were found, which can contribute to the walnut's productive aspects.

For Pessoa, information on the main pests affecting crops in other countries, now available on InsetoNutWeb, is essential for developing preventive measures against the entry of species not yet registered in Brazil, which could compromise macadamia and other host crops identified for these insect pests, many of which are polyphagous.

She also emphasizes that these are species of priority concern to National Phytosanitary Defense, requiring special attention. "Many pest species have been reported abroad and are likely to enter the country, making it necessary to understand them for appropriate prevention and monitoring," she adds.

Leonardo Moriya emphasizes that the InsetoNutWeb system has the potential to support the development of official emergency plans to prevent the entry of quarantine pests. He notes that the InsetoNut project has published several publications, produced in partnership with Embrapa Territorial (SP), on zoning of areas suitable for development and generation estimates in Brazil for some PQA and exotic pests not present in the country, prioritized by QueenNut.

Expansion of macadamia in Brazil

According to Moriya, macadamia nut cultivation, introduced to Brazil in the 1930s, is currently experiencing promising growth. Data from the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) indicate that, between 2008 and 2018, nut consumption grew 55% and 43%, respectively, in countries with high and medium economies—a profile that includes Brazil. Today, the country has commercial plantations in nine states—Bahia, Espírito Santo, Goiás, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, and São Paulo, with São Paulo accounting for half of the country's production.

Despite the growth potential, the sector faces a significant challenge: the scarcity of information on pests affecting Brazilian crops. Until recently, much of the available knowledge was based on foreign studies, with little representation of national scenarios. "Therefore, it was essential to conduct a local survey to accurately identify the insect and mite species present in Brazilian orchards and expand the knowledge needed to guide public policies and sustainable agricultural practices," Prado emphasizes.

Crecci points out that the knowledge generated by the project, now systematized in InsetoNutWeb, has multiple purposes. "It serves as a basis for training initiatives, such as correct species identification, field monitoring, and integrated pest management. It also informs public policies aimed at National Phytosanitary Defense and the strengthening of so-called Crops with Insufficient Phytosanitary Support (CSFI), known as minor crops—such as macadamia nuts in Brazil," he adds.

Minor crops are agricultural crops with significant production, but still lack technical and regulatory support commensurate with their potential. Macadamia nuts are included in Group 1B (fruits with inedible shells), along with papaya and mango. The availability of tools like InsetoNutWeb represents an important step forward in structuring specific policies for macadamia nuts, in addition to supporting other crops of national interest identified as host crops for the pests available in the system.

Prado and Moriya also emphasize that continued monitoring and systematic use of the InsetoNutWeb system will allow the Brazilian macadamia production chain to better prepare for phytosanitary risks, preserve productivity, and meet the growing domestic and international market demand for this nut.

InsetoNutWeb also represents an example of how applied science and technology can favor the development of agricultural crops, including minor crops, while strengthening the country's phytosanitary security in the face of the advancement of international transport and trade and climate change, which can facilitate the entry and establishment of new exotic pests in the country.

Cultivation of crops depends on technology

Macadamia cultivation in Brazil has high potential profitability, but faces challenges such as high implementation and operating costs, a long time to reach effective productivity, and sensitivity to extreme weather events. With investments in genetics, mechanization, and crop diversification, there is great opportunity for growth, especially with the domestic market gaining momentum. The São Paulo and Espírito Santo regions lead production, but expansion is needed with technical and commercial innovation to resume the sector's economic growth.

The crop has been gaining prominence in the national agricultural landscape, despite challenges, especially climate-related ones. Brazilian production, which peaked at 8.500 tons in 2019, suffered a sharp drop of around 30% in 2025, resulting in a harvest of less than 4 tons. This reduction is primarily attributed to adverse weather conditions, such as drought and excessive heat during the flowering period, which compromised fruiting and productivity in all producing regions. For the first time in 30 years, around 90% of production was destined for domestic consumption, an unprecedented scenario, as historically, most production was destined for export.

Currently, Brazil has approximately 5 hectares of macadamia nut cultivation, with a significant concentration in São Paulo, especially in the municipality of Dois Córregos, which accounts for approximately 50% of national production. Espírito Santo, particularly the São Mateus region, contributes approximately 30%, while Minas Gerais accounts for approximately 25%. Macadamia cultivation in the country requires significant initial investment, estimated at R$15 per hectare, and annual operating costs that can reach R$25 per hectare. Despite this, in favorable harvests, revenues can reach R$50 per hectare, with yields ranging from 3 to 5 kilograms per hectare, exceeding the global average, which is around 2 to 2,5 tons per hectare.

Macadamia is a perennial, long-term crop: it begins producing between four and five years after planting, reaching its peak production ten to twelve years later. The price of the nut on the domestic market can reach R$180 per kilogram when processed, while in international trade it hovers around US$3 per kilogram. The high market value makes the crop attractive, but the return on investment is slow, and profitability depends heavily on climate conditions and proper management.

To mitigate risks and expand macadamia's economic potential, growers have invested in practices such as intercropping with other crops, especially coffee, which generates revenue in the orchard's early years, while macadamias are not yet producing on a commercial scale. Research institutions such as the Agronomic Institute (IAC) and the São Paulo Agribusiness Technology Agency (APTA) have developed cultivars better adapted to Brazil's tropical climate, offering greater resistance and productivity, and are also providing guidance on more sustainable cultivation practices.

Although Brazil is among the ten largest macadamia producers in the world, its share still represents less than 3% of global production. However, the global market is booming, with annual growth exceeding 8%, making macadamia the most highly valued oilseed currently. This growth in global consumption and the recent increase in domestic consumption in Brazil—driven by reduced export supply—point to a scenario of potential appreciation and expansion of the crop in the country. However, for this to materialize, it will be necessary to invest in technology, long-term planning, climate management, and more efficient commercial strategies to position Brazil more competitively in the global nut market.