Mānuka plant, bees & New Zealand origin
A phosphatase gene is linked to nectar dihydroxyacetone accumulation in mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium)
Authors: Ella R. P. Grierson et al.
PLAIN-LANGUAGE SUMMARY
Researchers compared high- and low-DHA mānuka material using RNA sequencing, an improved genome assembly, a high-density linkage map and QTL analysis. Gene expression and mapping both implicated LsSgpp2, while three QTL regions supported a polygenic contribution to nectar dihydroxyacetone accumulation.
Reported result
LsSgpp2 expression correlated with nectar DHA and co-located with a chromosome 4 QTL, but the proposed biochemical activity remains unconfirmed.
Study design
plant-ecology
Mānuka plant, bees and New Zealand origin
Tested material
Mānuka nectar and plant genotypes with high or low DHA, genome and transcriptome material, and a segregating mapping population; no finished The 3 Beez honey was tested.
Limitations
The authors state that LsSGPP2 enzymatic activity requires confirmation, environmental variation affected DHA, and RNA-seq used mixed tissue because nectary tissue was not clearly delineated. They also document missing prior Māori guardian consent for some legacy regional material and recommend prior consultation in future work.
Funding & conflicts
Supported by a Plant & Food Research Discovery Science project through New Zealand MBIE Strategic Science Investment funding, MBIE Smart Idea C11X2102 and the MBIE-funded Genomics Aotearoa platform. The authors declared no competing interests.
Applicability guardrail
A plant genetic association does not predict the grade, composition, authenticity or health effect of a finished commercial honey batch.
Scientific reference
Ella R. P. Grierson et al. (2024). A phosphatase gene is linked to nectar dihydroxyacetone accumulation in mānuka (Leptospermum scoparium). New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.19714
Editorial record
Responsible publisher: Manuka Drops Limited. Record updated: 2026-08-28. Retraction check recorded: 2026-08-27. Retraction status: checked-no-retraction-signal. Editorial status: published. Read the methodology.
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