THE ROLE OF MICROORGANISMS IN PLANT-POLLINATOR INTERACTIONS IN MĀNUKA (LEPTOSPERMUM SCOPARIUM) PLANTS

Mānuka honey is an important export product of New Zealand due to its unique antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. We are using metagenomics, chromatographic techniques and behavioural assays to investigate the role of floral microorganisms in nectar quality and their implications for pollination processes and honeybee health.