Research Papers

What Spacing for Mānuka Seedlings?

Dr. Angus McPherson & James McPherson - October 2017

Plantation-grown mānuka for honey production is now recognised as a valid option for landowners and beekeepers. While there are broad guidelines for the optimal spacing of mānuka seedlings in plantations, these cover a wide range of stocking levels, and there is no clear advice on how to maximise flowering density per hectare in order to obtain the highest possible honey yield.

The article can be downloaded by clicking here.

Mānuka – a viable alternative land use for New Zealand’s hill country?

Dr. Angus McPherson - November 2016

Plantation mānuka for honey and oil production has emerged as an alternative land use for New Zealand’s hill country. This paper examines the background to mānuka’s emergence, what is driving this increase in demand and its impact on the honey and pollination services sectors. It then looks at mānuka harvesting, apiculture and management, and the factors influencing honey yield, before outlining the business case for mānuka (both natural forest and plantation) and making conclusions about its viability.

The article can be downloaded by clicking here.