Melissopalynological analysis of selected samples from Kannur and Wayanad districts of Kerala, India

Abstract

Background and Aim: In the present study 5 samples of honey namely sample (S1) - Cheru Then from Wayanad,
sample (S2) - Van Then from Kannur, sample (S3) - Rubber honey from Kunduchira, Thalassery, Kannur, sample
(S4) - Tea honey from Chirakara, Thalassery, Kannur and sample (S5) - Dabur honey from market were procured
from Kannur and Wayanad districts, Kerala for pollen analysis. Methodology: The microscopic analyses of the
samples were made by following the standard procedures. The microphotographs were also taken. Results: A total of
36 pollen types belonging to 21 families were identified and enumerated. Samples S3 and S4 showed the maximum
and minimum number of pollen taxa respectively. Unidentified pollen types were found in samples S3 and S4 as
minor type and secondary type. The percentage frequency of the sample is greatest in sample S1 and S3 with 58%
and 53% respectively and least frequency below 1% is found in S2 and S4. Of the five samples analysed, one sample
S2 showed unifloral with Cocos nucifera as predominant pollen and the remaining sample S1, S3 and S4 were
considered multifloral. The sample S5 showed complete absence of the pollen grains. The frequently occurring pollen
types are Cocos nucifera, Syzygium Type I, Syzygium cumini, Pennisetum polystachyon and Urena lobata. The
dominant families include Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Caesalpiniaceae, Elaeocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Loranthaceae,
Malvaceae, Mimosaceae, Myrtaceae, Passifloraceae, Poaceae, Sapindaceae and Verbenaceae. Majority of the samples
showed dominance of tree species which is mostly preferred by bees for nectar and pollen sources for honey
production. Conclusion: Pollen analysis in honey samples lead to the identification of vegetation in the area which is
important for the survival of bee colonies and in turn helps in conserving the biodiversity of the area.