Journal of Rangeland

Download citation:
BibTeX | RIS | EndNote | Medlars | ProCite | Reference Manager | RefWorks
Send citation to:

---

The present study was undertaken to determine the physicochemical and palynological characteristics of 18 honey samples from three areas in West Azerbaijan province. Sample preparation for palynological and physicochemical analyses was carried out at the University of Gӧttingen and QSI (Bremen), Germany, respectively. Honey samples were compared in terms of electrical conductivity, proline, HMF, diastase activity and major sugar composition. No significant differences in physicochemical parameters were observed in the samples. Based on a descriptive statistic, more than half of the pollen required for honey production in all three sampling areas were collected by bees merely from two genera, i.e. Astragalus and Plantago.  About 50 percent of nectar was collected by bees from Astragalus. The results of cluster analysis of the pollen spectra in the honey samples showed that all but one honey sample from Marmishou could be separated based on their pollen content. This study showed that the pollen content in honey reflects the plant diversity in any given area. As rangeland vegetation, particularly Astragalus species, have played a considerable role in honey production in the whole study area, the preservation of rangeland ecosystems is of crucial importance for development of beekeeping industry and rural production.

Keywords: Honey, Melissopalynology, Physico-chemical properties, Pollen analysis, Vegetation.

Full-Text [PDF 560 kb]   (741 Downloads)    

Add your comments about this article : Your username or Email:

---

---