Investigating the importance of altitude and weather conditions for the production of toxic honey in New Zealand

Abstract Toxic honey is produced in New Zealand when honey bees (Apis mellifera) forage on honeydew containing the phytotoxin tutin that is produced by the passion vine hopper (Scolypopa australis) when feeding on the poisonous plant tutu (Coriaria arborea). Observational studies suggest that there are a set of conditions required for the production of toxic honey, but these factors have not been well studied. This research aims to investigate the importance of altitude and weather conditions for the production of toxic honey in New Zealand and makes some recommendations for a review of the New Zealand Food Safety Authority (NZFSA) Food (tutin in honey) Standard 2008 that was introduced after a toxic honey outbreak in 2008. Transects were established in parts of the North Island during the summer of 2009 and were visited weekly for 6 consecutive weeks. Variables recorded were elevation, S. australis density, honeydew abundance, honey bee and wasp (Vespula spp.) presence and temperature and rainfall data. ...