Qualitative analysis of Apis mellifera L. honey in an ecotone area in the Bahian semiarid

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the pollen types of 11 honey samples produced in apiaries of two cities in the State of Bahia, Brazil: Antônio Gonçalves (five samples) and Campo Formoso (six samples); to verify richness and diversity from each apiary and to compare the similarity among them. The samples were obtained from beekeepers according to the period of production and availability. The palynological analysis of these samples followed the standard procedures of melissopalynology with the use of acetolysis. The pollen types occurring in the honey samples were identified and at least 1,000 pollen grains per sample were counted to determine the frequency classes and the frequency of occurrence. Overall, 147 pollen types were detected, of which 143 are distributed in 35 botanical families. The most representative families concerning the number of pollen types were: Fabaceae (33), Asteraceae (18), Euphorbiaceae (11), Anacardiaceae and Malvaceae (09 types each), Rubiaceae (08) and Myrtaceae (07). The average value of pollen types per sample was 28.18. The genus that contributed the most was Mimosa L. (Fabaceae) with eight pollen types detected. The wealth of pollen types found revealed important information about the local flora which is explored by Apis mellifera. Therefore, it becomes an important tool to assist in the preservation and propagation of these plants and, consequently, increasing honey production.

Floristic characterization and pollen morphology of plants visited by Apis mellifera L. in caatinga areas in Bahia, Brazil

“…The analyses of honey samples from the municipalities of Antônio Gonçalves and Campo Formoso (Reis et al 2021), recorded a variety of pollen types corroborating the great diversity of species, genera and families of the bee flora from this region. When compared to our results, Fabaceae and Malvaceae are highlighted due to the diversity of pollen grains recorded, mostly in Mimosa (Fabaceae) and Herissantia (Malvaceae).…”

“…For Oliveira & Santos (2014), these types of pollen grains recorded in honey, coupled with their morphological characters, might be related to the several species from their genera. Thus, pollen types related to Mimosa recorded by Reis et al (2021) might represent the species Mimosa candollei, M. tenuiflora, and M. pudica recorded in the study areas. In contrast, the Herissantia pollen type might be related to the species H. crispa and H. tiubae.…”

“…Several floristic studies have revealed the rich diversity and structure of the Caatinga biome (Araújo et al 2010;Santos et al 2011;Lima et al 2012;Sanquetta et al 2014;Luna et al 2015;Rocha et al 2017), as well as studies focusing on bee plant species for the Caatinga and other ecosystems. The description of pollen morphology from these areas, coupled with palynological analyses of bee products, has contributed to the identification of plant species foraged by bees, including the species Apis mellifera L. (Ferguson & Skvarla 1982;Aguiar et al 2002;Almeida et al 2006;Lima et al 2006;Viana et al 2006;Almeida 2007;Chaves et al 2007;Vidal et al 2008;Oliveira et al 2010;Nascimento et al 2014;Silva et al 2014a;Silva et al 2016b;Costa et al 2018;Rasoloarijao et al 2019;Mander et al 2020;Moraes et al 2020;Silva et al 2020;Lu et al 2021;Reis et al 2021;Dias et al 2022). A. mellifera forages to flowers for both pollen and nectar.…”

Differences in the Pollen Content of Varieties of Polish Honey from Urban and Rural Apiaries

“…One way of determining the correct origin of honey is pollen analysis, which allows for unequivocal identification of honey varieties by the presence of dominant flower pollen. This information is particularly important for the consumer, who may select a variety of honey based on its specific taste, aroma and nutraceutical properties (Machado de Melo et al, 2018;Reis et al, 2021;Tafere, 2021). The pollen content of mature honey depends on the amount of pollen collected by the bees, and on the methods of collection and processing.…”