The production of honeydew melon from the New Zealand South Island beech forest: A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the National Diploma in Agriculture of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture (Inc.)

Abstract

Honeydew honey from the native beech forests ( Nothofagus spp.) is collected from hives, processed and marketed by apiarists; it is composed of the excess nutrients, excreted or exuded by the scale insect, Ultracoelostoma assimile (Maskell) and gathered by honeybees (Apis mellifera). The main areas of production are located in· the foothills of Canterbury north of Mount Somers, and comprise approximately 40,000 hectares of the beech forests. This thesis describes various aspects of Honeydew honey production, in particular a hive management method developed by the writer. It also updates earlier research undertaken by the writer on Honeydew honey production in recent years.