Overall, bio-control is the preferred and most utilized pest management tool. Comprehensive research is ongoing to improve pest management alternatives. Rats consume nuts and eat into profits. The United States Department of Agriculture Denver Wildlife Research Center is providing the research base for rat control. Development of effective cultural and chemical control methods depends on the completion of these studies.
Some cultivars are more resistant than others.
There are several other diseases of significance in macadamia culture. In particular, industry recognized Phytophthora raceme blight and Kretzschmaria root rot as problematic and in need of improved control strategies. Raceme blight may lower yields by affecting fruit set. Root rot also affects yields and results in a slow decline that eventually kills the affected tree. Chemical controls have not been identified that are effective against either disease.