Breeding and propagation techniques

To achieve high cashew yields, effective breeding methods such as cross-breeding or cross-fertilization are crucial. Here are the key methods for selecting cashew varieties that can lead to higher productivity:

1. Select cashews that grow quickly and branch out well.

2. 10-30 flower clusters per square meter, with more clusters indicating higher potential yield.

3. The flower clusters should contain 200-300 male flowers and 40-80 bisexual flowers. More bisexual flowers typically correlate with higher yield potential.

4. The average weight of the seeds should be 7-9 grams per seed, or 120-150 seeds per kilogram.

5. The cashew tree should flower in mid-season (January-February) or late season (February-March) to avoid damage from pests like tea mosquitoes, with a short flowering period (1-3 months).

6. The seed tree should be resistant to pests, diseases, and local climate conditions.

7. The seeds harvested should have more than 28% flesh content.

8. A mature tree (15 years and older) should yield 15-25 kg of seeds annually.

9. An 8-year-old tree should yield more than 10 kg per year.