One common question among cashew growers today is whether they should choose grafted cashew seedlings or cashew trees grown from seeds. Cashew trees grown from seeds usually take about 4–5 years before they can be harvested, and their yield is often not very high.

Meanwhile, grafted cashew varieties offer many advantages. They can start producing earlier, deliver better yields, and help farmers achieve more stable productivity. In this article, we will explore three popular grafted cashew varieties widely grown in Vietnam today.

Yield, kernel ratio, and nut size of some high-yield cashew varieties

PN1 Cashew Variety

PN1 cashew is one of the most well-known high-yield cashew varieties in Vietnam. This variety grows and adapts well in the Central Highlands and the Southeast region.

Besides its high yield, PN1 also has many other advantages. It has good disease resistance, strong climate adaptability, and can provide stable productivity and quality for farmers. It also supports Vietnam’s cashew export goals.

PN1 cashew variety is known for its high yield and strong adaptability in the Central Highlands and Southeast Vietnam.

Characteristics of PN1 Cashew Variety

Medium tree height with a wide canopy
Young leaves are purple; mature leaves turn dark green
Young cashew apples are green and turn yellow when ripe
Young nuts are purple and turn gray when mature; the shell is thin

Important Notes When Growing PN1 Cashew

PN1 cashew trees usually take about 3–4 years before the first harvest. However, the tree can continue growing and producing for 20–40 years. To achieve the best yield, farmers should choose seedlings from reliable sources.
The selected variety should be 100% true to type.
Grafted seedlings should be healthy and ready for planting.
Seedlings should be free from visible diseases and pests, especially on the leaves.
Growth stimulants should not be overused during the early planting stage.
When buying this variety, farmers should ask for proper certification, invoices, and clear pricing.

AB0508 Cashew Variety

AB05-08 cashew also has many advantages, especially its high yield and ability to flower several times during the season. This allows farmers to harvest multiple times, improving income and supporting Vietnam’s cashew export industry.

AB0508 cashew trees are relatively easy to care for. Each fruit cluster may have 10–15 cashew apples. Since the tree flowers in several waves, the fruit-setting rate is high and less affected by weather conditions.

The nuts of AB0508 have thin shells and a kernel ratio of about 29–32%. The average yield is around 3–4 tons per hectare, while some well-managed orchards may reach 6–8 tons per hectare. Nut size is about 140–150 nuts per kg.

AB0508 is a long-term industrial crop. It usually starts producing after 3–4 years, and its productive lifespan can last 20–40 years.

AB0508 cashew variety has high yield and multiple flowering waves, allowing several harvests in one season.

Characteristics of AB05-08 Cashew Variety

Early harvest potential; in some cases, the first harvest can begin after only 2 years.
Small and low canopy, fast and strong growth, abundant flowering, good fruit setting, and easier care and harvesting.
Young leaves are green; mature leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and slightly twisted.
High fruit-setting rate, with 10–15 fruits per cluster. The tree flowers several times during the season and is less affected by weather.
Young cashew apples are green and turn juicy red when ripe.
Young nuts are green and turn gray when mature. The shell is thin, and the kernel ratio is high.
One limitation of this variety is that its long flowering period and heavy flowering may reduce shoot growth, making it harder to collect shoots for propagation.

Important Notes When Growing AB05-08 Cashew

Like other grafted cashew varieties, AB05-08 is a long-term industrial crop. Since the tree has a spreading canopy, farmers should maintain proper spacing between trees. Because this variety can be harvested early, growers may plan planting density carefully to optimize production. After harvest, pruning is important so the tree can rest and recover for the next season.
During fruiting, farmers should monitor tree health and keep a suitable number of fruits on each branch. Leaving too many fruits may reduce nutrient supply, weaken the tree, and affect fruit and nut quality.
During the shooting stage, farmers should protect the tree from pests and diseases. Suitable pest control methods should be used to prevent damaged shoots and young leaf drop.

AB29 Cashew Variety

The AB29 cashew variety is suitable for growing in the Southeast region and the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Its biggest advantage is its very early harvest time, with some trees producing after only about 18 months.

AB29 is a cluster-bearing cashew variety. It flowers in several waves, helping reduce the impact of unfavorable weather. This variety also has good resistance to pests and diseases.

AB29 cashew variety is suitable for Southeast Vietnam and the Central Highlands.

Characteristics of AB29 Cashew Variety

Young leaves are light green, while mature leaves are large and oval-shaped.
The tree grows strongly, with a dense and even canopy. The canopy height is usually medium or low.
Young cashew apples are green and turn yellow when ripe.
Young nuts are green like the fruit and turn grayish-white when mature.
The tree flowers several times, is less affected by rain, and can deliver high productivity.

Important Notes When Growing AB29 Cashew

Similar to other grafted cashew varieties, AB29 needs proper spacing at the time of planting so the trees have enough room to grow when mature.

As the trees develop, farmers should prune branches that grow too densely in the middle of the canopy. This helps maintain good light penetration, airflow, and stable yield.

Farmers should choose seedlings from trusted suppliers. Seedlings should be free from disease and pests to help the trees grow faster and healthier after planting.

AB29 can produce many flowers and fruit clusters. Therefore, farmers should remove weak or poorly developing fruits so the remaining nuts can reach better quality.

After each harvest, it is important to prune branches and reshape the canopy. This allows the tree to recover and prepare for the next crop season.

Summary Table of Other Cashew Varieties in Vietnam

TL6/3 grafted cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 28–31%; nut size: 140–150 nuts/kg; yield: 2–2.5 tons/ha.
TL2/11 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 29–32%; nut size: 130–140 nuts/kg; yield: 2–2.5 tons/ha.
ES-04 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 27.5%; nut size: 173 nuts/kg; nut yield: 55–65 kg/tree/year.
EK-24 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 28%; nut size: 120 nuts/kg; nut yield: 35–45 kg/tree/year.
BĐ-01 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 27%; nut size: 165 nuts/kg; nut yield: 45–55 kg/tree/year.
KP-11 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 27.5%; nut size: 150 nuts/kg; nut yield: 45–55 kg/tree/year.
KP-12 cashew variety	Kernel ratio: 27%; nut size: 140 nuts/kg; nut yield: 55–65 kg/tree/year.

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