A melissopalynological analysis of Apis mellifera L. loads of dried bee pollen in the southern Brazilian macro-region

Abstract

Sixty-one samples of dried bee pollen collected from various apiaries in the southern Brazilian macro-region were examined to detect the botanical origin of the pollen and to enable more accurate product certification. The palynological analysis of the samples followed the standard methodology and was conducted without the use of acetolysis. The samples were washed once or twice with ethanol and then with water. The sediment obtained was homogenised in a water/glycerine solution for microscopic observation. The target number of pollen grains to be counted was 500 pollen grains or more per sample. The results demonstrated that 35 samples consisted of a unique pollen type representing more than 90% of the pollen sum (or more than 60% if no accessory pollen was present). These samples were considered monofloral. Several pollen types grouped in a sample were related to heterofloral pollen batches. The most frequent pollen types were of Mimosa scabrella, Eucalyptus, Andira, Machaerium, Myrcia and Piptocarpha. The results of the current study were related to the surrounding vegetation of the apiaries and reflected the resources available to the bees. Furthermore, these results are relevant to apicultural activities and are commercially significant.