Honey Production Research Articles

Studies on bioactivities of Manuka and regional varieties of honey for their potential use as natural antibiotic agents for infection control related to wound healing and in pharmaceutical formulations.

Presently, most of the reported infections are of a bacterial origin; however, this leads to a limit within the literature and research around infections caused by fungal pathogens, which are now developing resistance to antibiotic medicines. Of the natural antimicrobial agents, honey has been observed with demonstrable and highly exploitable antimicrobial and infection control related to wound healing properties; therefore, it has been incorporated into many standard pharmaceutical formulations. Generally, these products utilize a pure sample of honey as a bioactive ingredient in a product which has been purposely designed for the convenience of application. This article aims to review information available from published reports on various bioactivities of a variety of medical-grade honey products, including manuka and other conventional non-manuka types sourced from different floral types and geographical regions. Additionally, this review highlights the antibiotic activities of various types of honey products tested against pathogenic strains of bacteria, yeast and fungi, and their applications in the formulation of healthcare products.

Typological characterization of beekeepers in Campeche state, Mexico

Background: Beekeeping is a livestock activity that brings multiple benefits to humanity, in addition to its cultural value; therefore, it requires focused intervention within the framework of rural extension projects to optimize economic resources and capacities. Objective: To characterize the typology of the beekeepers that make up the honey production chain in the municipalities of Campeche, Calkiní, and Hopelchén in the State of Campeche. Methods: Surveys were applied to 220 beneficiary producers, stratified in terms of subsistence without market linkage (E1) and subsistence with market access (E2). Twenty social, economic, and technological variables were studied by main component and cluster analyses. Results: Five variables explain 65.81% of the variance: schooling, production experience, number of hives, yield/hive, and production per year. Four beekeeper profiles were identified. Type I includes beekeepers with 10 years of experience, production of 107.80 kg per year, and yield of 6.7 kg. Type II beekeepers have higher technological index, ten more years of productive experience, and completed basic education. Type III includes young beekeepers with completed high school and with the highest production of honey and yield and the same technological index as Type II. Type IV, elderly beekeepers with work logic more linked to the social and solidarity economy, all speaker of Mayan language with traditional organization schemes that obtain better yields per hive and honey production than Type I and II. Conclusions: This proposal can be used to typify producers from other regions in the context of Rural Extension Programs with a focused and differentiated vision in which development routes are required. Type III beekeepers could be the focus of Rural Extension Projects.

Estimates of the vitality and performances of Apis mellifera mellifera and hybrid honey bee colonies in Siberia: a 13-year study.

Honeybees display a great range of biological, behavioral, and economic traits, depending on their genetic origin and environmental factors. The high diversity of honeybees is the result of natural selection of specific phenotypes adapted to the local environment. Of particular interest is adaptation of local and non-local bee colonies to environmental conditions. To study the importance of genotype-environment interactions on the viability and productivity of local and non-local bee colonies, we analyzed the long-term dynamics of the main traits in dark forest bees (Apis mellifera mellifera) and hybrid colonies. From 2010 to 2022, a total of 64 colonies living in an apiary in Siberia, Russia, were monitored and tested to assess their biological, behavioral, and economic traits in a temperate continental climate. We detected significant correlations between the studied biological and behavioral indicators of the bee colony such as colony strength, overwintering ability, infection of colonies with diseases, hygienic behavior, and others. No relationships between the biological and economic (honey productivity) traits of bee colonies are shown. The overall result of our study is that local dark forest bee, A.m.mellifera, showed higher values for all analyzed traits than hybrid colonies. Compared to hybrids, dark forest bee colonies showed more gentleness, productivity, and survivorship. The results from our study indicate a specific local adaptation of the A.m.mellifera subspecies in a temperate continental climate. Siberia represents a unique region for the conservation of the dark forest bee. The creation of conservation areas is one way to protect local bee populations, well adapted to local environmental conditions, from uncontrolled importation of bee breeds from different regions.

A Review of different Honey from Indonesia and Malaysia

Indonesia and Malaysia share contiguous territories and are renowned for their honey production. In addition, they possess extensively published studies on honey. This study aims to present a comprehensive analysis of the many types of honey found in Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as their health-promoting components. The employed methodology entails conducting a comprehensive review of both primary and secondary literature. The literature search employed online tools, including NCBI-PubMed, Google Scholar, and Elsevier. Indonesia and Malaysia share similar species of bees, including Apis Dorsata, Apis Mellifera, Apis Trigona, and Apis Cerana. The phenolics and antioxidants have garnered the most focus among the components. Notable health advantages encompass the facilitation of diabetic wound healing, enhancement of reproductive health, and promotion of mental well-being.

Harnessing the power of bee venom for therapeutic and regenerative medical applications: an updated review.

Honeybees have been helpful insects since ancient centuries, and this benefit is not limited to being a honey producer only. After the bee stings a person, pain, and swelling occur in this place, due to the effects of bee venom (BV). This is not a poison in the total sense of the word because it has many benefits, and this is due to its composition being rich in proteins, peptides, enzymes, and other types of molecules in low concentrations that show promise in the treatment of numerous diseases and conditions. BV has also demonstrated positive effects against various cancers, antimicrobial activity, and wound healing versus the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Even though topical BV therapy is used to varying degrees among countries, localized swelling or itching are common side effects that may occur in some patients. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the complex chemical composition of BV, highlighting the diverse range of bioactive compounds and their therapeutic applications, which extend beyond the well-known anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, showcasing the versatility of BV in modern medicine. A specific search strategy was followed across various databases; Web of sciences, Scopus, Medline, and Google Scholar including in vitro and in vivo clinical studies.to outline an overview of BV composition, methods to use, preparation requirements, and Individual consumption contraindications. Furthermore, this review addresses safety concerns and emerging approaches, such as the use of nanoparticles, to mitigate adverse effects, demonstrating a balanced and holistic perspective. Importantly, the review also incorporates historical context and traditional uses, as well as a unique focus on veterinary applications, setting it apart from previous works and providing a valuable resource for researchers and practitioners in the field.

Therapeutic significance and economic effectiveness of Monoflor honey from Lavsonia inermis l. In Azerbaijan

The presented article provides information on the introduction of henna (Lavsonia Inermis L.), one of the world's oldest cosmetic products, to Azerbaijan, its botanical description, its indoor cultivation, its use in medicine, cosmetology, and the purchase of monofloral honey. Researches were conducted in Baku, Absheron, Lankaran, Ganja regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as in Nakhchivan MR. All organs of the henna plant have a unique coloring property. Henna has been found to contain various oils, cellulose, ash, nitrogen, essential oil, and a dye containing lavson, which has given it world fame. As a result of many years of research, Tofig Sadigov bought two new varieties of henna from Lavsonia Inermis L. species. The obtained Orkhan henna variety is used to buy leaf products. Another variety obtained from Lavsonia Inermis L. is the Sarkhan henna variety. Sarkhan henna blooms throughout the year, even in winter. The Sarkhan henna variety is mainly grown for use in the production of 100% monofloral honey. Monoflor honey gives positive results when used in gastrointestinal diseases. Studies on the production of monofloral honey from the flower of Lavsonia Inermis L. yielded positive results.

Analysing stingless bee garden design for urban farming in Kelantan, Malaysia

The benefits of stingless bee honey for health found in various studies increase the demand for these apiculture activities to grow. However, the production of stingless bee honey requires specific garden design considerations according to the species’ nature and behaviour. Therefore, this study aims to analyse the design of a stingless bee garden by three stingless bee honey entrepreneurs in Kelantan, Malaysia for urban farming consideration. Three stingless bee gardens were selected based on their establishment in producing stingless bee honey for business, namely, (i) RTF Kelulut Garden, (ii) Meloris Kelulut Garden, and (iii) Husna Kelulut Garden. This research employed the mapping method, image capture to collect information on spatial arrangement, hive design, and plant identification for the commercial stingless bee garden. Data were analyzed using comparative analysis to define the significant considerations as well as the recommendation for better garden design. The finding suggests that there are three design layouts for the stingless bee garden which are a covered setting, a natural setting, and a mixed setting. Mix setting becomes the recommended setting suitable in tropical countries because of rainy and hot seasons. This study implies that an understanding of stingless bee garden design assists entrepreneurs in increasing the productivity and quality of stingless bee honey.

Sensitive immunoenzyme assay for the detection of antibiotic flumequine in honey.

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are used to cure and protect bees and apiaries from infections. Consequently, they may contaminate honey and other products of beekeeping. In this study, a highly sensitive immunoenzyme assay (EIA) was for the first time developed for the determination of a fluoroquinolone flumequine (FLU) in honey. The EIA was carried out in an indirect competitive format with colorimetric detection. The analysis was characterized by a low limit of detection of 30 pg mL-1. The polyclonal antibodies used showed no cross-reactivity with 24 other (fluoro)quinolones; the assay was highly specific only toward FLU. Different coating FLU-protein conjugates were tested to achieve the most sensitive competitive immunodetection. A highly simplified and rapid (3-5 min) sample preparation was proposed based on the 100-300 times dilution of honey by a buffer. The developed EIA has been tested to detect FLU in honey of different origins, namely acacia, flower, buckwheat, chestnut, and linden honey. It has been demonstrated that 76.2-115.9% of FLU could be determined by the assay. The versatility, simplicity, and rapidity of the EIA enable us to propose this method as an effective tool to control the contamination of honey.

Pollen analysis of honey and pollen stored by Melipona (Melikerria) fasciculata Smith, 1854 (Apidae Meliponini), in an Amazon and Cerrado transition area, Maranhão, Brazil.

The identification of meliponicultural flora is fundamental for the preservation of bees, as well as enabling the development of pollinator management and reforestation programs. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the types of pollen found in the honey and pollen pots of the Melipona fasciculata bee in Arari, State of Maranhão, between August 2022 and July 2023. 40 types of pollen were identified, distributed among 18 botanical families, with Fabaceae standing out (46.15% in pollen pots and 37.86% in honey pots), Myrtaceae (11.53% in pollen and 13.51% in honey) and Rubiaceae (7.69% in pollen and 5.40% in honey). Sapindaceae, in the honey pots, accounted for 5.40%. The other families showed lower percentages, 3.84% in the pollen pots and 2.70% in the honey pots. In terms of similarity, two distinct groups were observed in both the pollen and honey pots. In the pollen pots, group A (May-June ~ 97%) and group B (Feb-Mar ~ 99%) stood out, while in the honey pots, group A (Mar-Apr ~ 98%) and group B (Jun-Jul-Sept ~ 98%) showed the highest percentages. These findings highlight the wide range of resources used by the M. fasciculata species, as well asits preference for Fabaceae and Myrtaceae, due to the diversity and availability of trophic resources. An understanding of the meliponicultural flora is essential to support effective conservation strategies, which aim not only to guarantee the survival of the bees, but also to ensure the continued production of honey, a resource of great importance to local communities.

Diversity of Bee Floral Resources and Honey Production Calendar in Ethiopia’s Southwest Shoa Zone

Bee flora resources are essential for the development of beekeeping. This study aimed to identify the diversity of key bee forage plants, establish honey harvesting calendars, and assess different types of monofloral honey in the area. Data collection methods included a bee plant inventory, pollen collection, and honey pollen analysis. A total of 122 plant species were identified as bee plants, with 44.26% being shrubs and 27.87% being trees. These bee plants were distributed across three districts, accounting for 37.40% of the plant species, indicating a broader ecological distribution than local species. Wonchi district exhibited the highest diversity of bee plants (H′ = 4.7), followed by Waliso (H′ = 4.55). Three honey harvesting periods were identified: November, January, and June. Additionally, three distinct types of monofloral honey were produced: Erica arborea honey in January, Eucalyptus camaldulensis honey in June, and Guizotia scabra honey in November. A shortage of bee forages was noted in February, March, July, and August across all districts. The southwest Shoa zone (comprising Wonchi, Waliso, and Amaya districts) shows potential for sustainable and commercial beekeeping based on the available bee flora resources. To ensure sustainability, it is crucial to maintain the existing bee flora and increase the propagation of multipurpose plant species. Additionally, on‐farm demonstrations highlighting the importance of floral and honey calendars for effective colony management are recommended.

Current status of honey productıon ın Azerbaıjan

The coronavirus pandemic affected the beekeeping industry by logistics chains, creating reducing honey production and breaking difficulties in seasonal job activities in the hives and the transportation of beekeeping products, and decreasing the information base related to beekeeping. Yet, the demand for honey as a healthy natural product at the pandemic level has increased considerably. Although Azerbaijan has natural and climatic conditions, it is far behind among world honey-producing countries. The paper discusses the certainty of conducting in-depth research to develop the beekeeping sector, considering it a strategic field. It explores the importance of the beekeeping development project implementation by applying a program that combines planned complex measurements through a systematic approach to short-term and long-term existing concrete problem-solving goals in this field.

Impact of Outcross Mating on Brood Rearing Activity and Honey Production of Local Honey Bees in Libya

Impact of Outcross Mating on Brood Rearing Activity and Honey Production of Local Honey Bees in Libya

Integrating machine learning and IoT into apiary management to optimize bee health and production

This article discusses integrating machine learning and IoT technologies into bee apiary management systems. The research aims to optimize bee conditions, improve their health and increase honey production. Using machine learning, large amounts of data collected by hive sensors are analyzed to predict and prevent various bee health problems effectively. Particular attention is paid to methods of controlling temperature in hives through pulse-width modulation technology, which provides accurate and energy-efficient regulation of temperature conditions. A method for predicting temperature in hives for effective apiary management is also proposed.

ОРГАНІЗАЦІЯ ЗАПИЛЕННЯ ПЛОДОВО-ЯГІДНИХ КУЛЬТУР САДУ ІЗ ЗАЛУЧЕННЯМ РІЗНИХ ВИДІВ КОМАХ

The purpose of the research – to study the mutual existence of different types of insects competing for food sources and involved in garden crops. Methods and materials. The research was carried out on garden crops (cherry plum, apricot, cherry, pear, domestic apple) using honey bees, bumblebees, and osmium under the influence of temperature on the efficiency of pollination in the forest-steppe of the Kyiv region. Results. The organization of pollination of the main garden crops by insects begins with cherry plum, apricot, and cherry, the honey productivity of which is 40 kg/ha. Temperature fluctuations and unfavorable weather conditions do not allow honey bees to pollinate effectively, so other insect species more adapted to abnormal climate changes were used. The use of osmia, bumblebees, and honey bees for pollination was more effective since they complement each other due to different flight modes and different food requirements. Bumblebees and osmia fly out to collect food before honeybees, and they can also collect nectar with a sugar content within 4%, and bees prefer nectar with a content of 50-60%, but not less than 16-18%. When weather conditions improve, more flowers bloom, the nectar thickens, and as a result, the mobilization of the honey bee increases, which with its numbers covers the plant’s need for pollination. Conclusions. The simultaneous use of honey bees, osmia and bumblebees for the pollination of fruit and berry crops makes it possible to obtain an ovary on cherry plum of 86.8%, which is 11.2% more than when using only bees as pollinators; on apricot - 39.2% ( + 10.8%), cherries – 35.7% (+23.3%), pears – 64.8% (+29.2%), plums – 78.4% (+36.1%), domestic apple trees – 78.9 (+16.7%). Keywords. Honey bee, bumblebee, osmia, pollination, cherry plum, apricot, cherry, pear, plum, domestic apple tree.

Development of a gelled honey product with a mixture of polysaccharides

Development of a gelled honey product with a mixture of polysaccharides

First report of Kurthia gibsonii in the digestive system of Apis mellifera in an indigenous community in the south of Mexico

The insect digestive system is an outstanding niche for recognizing and understanding features and interactions with unique microbiota. Apis melliferaplay an important role in honey production and pollination, but their populations have decreased over time, so their study and comprehension are vital. Specimens were collected to study the culturable microbiota of the digestive system in an indigenous community in southern Mexico. Digestive samples of bees from four apiaries were randomly analyzed and cultured, and Gram-positive bacilli were identified through conventional biochemical tests and with molecular markers. Kurthia gibsoniiwas identified in 7.5% (6/80) of the cases, and the sequences obtained were reported in GenBank. This is the first report of K. gibsoniiin the digestive system of bees in apiaries in southern Mexico.

Technical efficiency of honey and beeswax production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Implications for climate and food security sustainability

Technical efficiency of honey and beeswax production in Kaduna State, Nigeria: Implications for climate and food security sustainability

Identification and Establishing Floral Calendar in Jimma Zone of Oromia Ethiopia

Bee flora resources are crucial for the development of beekeeping. The study aimed to find and construct a flowering calendar for bee plants in order to produce many batches of honey. Data were collected through bee plant inventory, pollen collection and honey pollen analysis. Based on bee plant inventories, pollen load collection, and honey pollen analysis, 103 plant species were identified as nectar and pollen sources for honeybees. Ageratum conizoides, Guizotia scabra, Cordia africana, Datura arborea, Plantago lanceolata, Rumex nervosus, and Justicia schimperiana were the most common honey-producing plants in the area. The fresh weight of pollen gathered at various months of the year revealed that a substantial amount of pollen was collected in September, October, and November, but the incoming pollen weight decreased in March and July. The area's peak honey flow period began in November and lasted until early December or late February. The modest honey flow also occurred in May and June. Pollen examination of honey samples indicated three monofloral honey types: Guizotia spp., Vernonia, and Croton monofloral honey types, with pollen frequencies ranging between 45% and 100%. The study indicated that the floral calendar of bee forages is completely reliant on the seasonal availability of food sources, and beekeepers should be aware of how to manage honeybee colonies in accordance with the flowering calendar in their area in order to enhance the frequency of honey production.

Evaluation of Honey Bees within the Scope of Sustainable Development Goals and Ecosystem Services

Beekeeping is one of the significant activities that contribute to sustainability in environmental, social, and economic aspects. Honeybees provide multifaceted contributions to humanity, with 90% attributed to pollination services and 10% to bee products (honey, propolis, wax, etc.). The preservation of these services plays a key role in achieving ecological and economic sustainability, ensuring a healthy future for human life. According to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) under the United Nations, more than 80 million beehives contribute to an estimated annual honey production of 1.6 million tons. Honeybees can travel distances ranging from 600 meters to 11.3 kilometers to pollinate in bee forests. The bee products obtained from these areas provide income sources for forest communities, supporting sustainable development. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), one-third of global food production relies on pollination services by bees. Pollination services are critical for maintaining food security and increasing agricultural productivity. These services create a significant impact on biodiversity support, landscape diversification, enrichment of forest cover, and expansion of wildlife habitats, as well as erosion control—effects that are often imperceptible to humans. Bees contribute to human well-being and cultural sustainability by providing food, medicine, genetic resources, and related materials. The ecosystem services provided by bees make substantial contributions to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) including No Poverty (SDG1), Zero Hunger (SDG2), Good Health and Well-being (SDG3), Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG8), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG12), Climate Action (SDG13), and Life on Land (SDG15). This study discusses the importance of beekeeping and bee products in terms of ecosystem services for sustainable development and addresses environmental risks.

Characterization of Argentine honeys based on odour, colour and flavour attributes by descriprive sensory analysis

Argentina is one of the world’s largest producers of honey. It shows great botanical and geographical diversity that allows producing honey with varied sensory characteristics. Honey samples belonging to Buenos Aires, Catamarca and Misiones provinces (Argentina) were analyzed and typified by their odour, colour and flavour. Sensory attributes depend and phytogeographic origin. No differences were found in sensory analysis beneath years for each province, however significant differences in colour were found between provinces, indicating a distinctive floral composition throughout space. Lighter honeys are produced in Buenos Aires; whereas Misiones and Catamarca produce darker ones. Even though half of Catamarca territory is used for honey production, it yield a wide diversity of honey characteristics related to different ecoregions and several microclimates, making honeys produced indistinguishable from those of the other two provinces studied. A Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of a broader area for Catamarca province, as Catamarca and Yungas region will solve this problem. Sensory analysis allows making distinctions between phytogeographic regions, fundamentally due to their different flora. A certified PDO will provide honeys with an added value and allow them to access new markets with higher commercial value than standard quality ones.