2.29 Determining Floral source by pollen analysis

Question 1

Melissopalynology

Answer 1

The study of pollen contained in honey and, in particular, the pollen’s source.
Used to combat fraud and inaccurate labelling of honey.
Information gained from the study of a given sample of honey (and pollen) is useful when substantiating claims of a particular source for the sample.
Monofloral honey derived from one particular source plant may be more valuable than honey derived from many types of plants.
The price of honey also varies according to the region from which it originates.

Question 2

Outline of technique

Answer 2

1. Pollen is obtained by taking 10 g honey and mixing with 20ml hot water.
2. Mix and divide into two centriguge tubes and centrifuge for 10 minutes
3. Pour off the liquid from the top of each tube and then pour the contents into one tube.
4. Add water to the same level in the second tube and centrifuge for a further 5 minutes.
5. Draw the supernatant off using a pipette and make up a pollen slide using warm Fuchsin gel and
   then magnify to x400 under a compound microscope.
6. Compare the pollen grains viewed under the microscope with reference slides.

Question 3

Absence of pollen

Answer 3

Inappropriate sugar feeding
Honeydew honey
Extra floral nectary honey
Adulteration from fructose syrup
Filtering under pressure
Protogyny of flowers (The condition of flowers whose female parts mature before the male ones)
Honey from dioecious plants (e.g. willow and holly)