Sir, – We are concerned about the impression given in your article on rhododendron and in particular its reference to honey and honeybees (“Toxic Takeover: The growing problem of rhododendron in Kerry”, November 13th).
The article refers to “mad honey” and uses a wide range of complex scientific terms to paint a horrendous picture of the consequences of eating honey that could be contaminated by rhododendron.
Having ploughed through the layers of argument and supposition, the reader is entitled to be concerned and be fearful of consuming any honey that could have been produced in the vicinity of rhododendron.
At the end of the article, the author notes that “no fatalities have been reported in modern medical literature”.
However we think this article creates a doubt about the safety of consuming honey; it is unfair to beekeepers.
In fact, according to Jane Stout, Professor in Botany, Trinity College Dublin, “Not all rhododendrons contain grayanotoxins, but the invasive R. ponticum in Ireland does. These toxins are lethal to honeybees ... as a consequence, honeybees tend to avoid visiting R. ponticum flowers in Ireland, and so there is very little chance that the toxins would be incorporated to Irish honey, even in heavily invaded areas”.
I hope these comments help to reassure your readers.
– Is mise,
DONAL LEHANE,
Chair,
Federation of Irish
Beekeepers’ Association,
Co Waterford.