PJB-2018-759
MELISSOPALYNOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF SOUTH WESTERN NIGERIAN HONEY
FASASI, KAMILU AYO
Abstract
The study focused on the palynological analysis of natural honey from selected apiaries within south west, Nigeria. Honey samples were randomly and specifically sourced from Osun, Ogun, Oyo, Kwara and Ondo States respectively excluding Ekiti State and subjected to pollen analysis. Eighteen botanical families with 30 different pollen taxa were identified to species level. The honey samples were multifloral. Elaeis guineensis (Arecaceae) was the most common and dominant (49.8%) within the study areas. Lannea triphylla (Anacardiaceae), Tridax procumbens (Asteraceae), Pouteria sericea (Sapotaceae) and Talinum triangulare (Talinaceae) represent secondary pollen types. Generally, the minor pollen taxa include Avicennia officinalis (Acanthaceae), Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae), Vernonia cinereal (Asteraceae), Jacaranda mimosifolia (Bignoniaceae), Carica papaya (Caricaceae), Cassia fistula (Fabaceae), Erythrina mildbraedii (Fabaceae), Irvingia gabonensis (Irvingiaceae), Ocimum basilicum, Ocimum gratissimum (Lamiaceae), Triumfetta cordifolia, Sida acuta, Cola nitida (Malvaceae), Guaduella oblonga (Poaceae) and Protea elliottii (Proteaceae). Bee-favoured botanical families in the study areas were Anacardiaceae, Asteraceae, Arecaceae, Sapotaceae and Talinaceae. From the study, Elaeis guineensis was widely dispersed and widely foraged by honeybees, Apis mellifera adansonii, within south west Nigeria. The study provides pollen profile of the honeys from the study areas within south west, Nigeria. By implication it provides information on the major plants foraged by honeybees within the selected zones for seasonal bee management to enhance productivity. Hence, providing useful guide to beekeeping practices in South western Nigeria.
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