Published in Scientific Papers. Series D. Animal Science, Vol. LXIV, Issue 1
Written by Lilla BAGAMERI, Alexandru Ioan GIURGIU, Gabriela Maria BACI, Otilia BOBIŞ, Daniel Severus DEZMIREAN
The paper aimed to present the microscopic techniques used in botanical origin determination of honey samples, shortly melissopalynology. This technique is used for microscopic examination of pollen grains to determine the botanical origin of honey. It is known that a certain number of pollen grains must be recovered from sediment of honey solution, and the presence of small amounts of pollen may be related to falsification. Identification of pollen structure is generally made using light microscopy; phase contrast microscopy may be also used. Fluorescence microscopy is also a powerful method in palynology. Confocal laser scanning microscopy is effective in revealing the ultrastructure of pollen outer layer and shape of the pollen. The determination of the botanical origin of honey using palynology is based on the relative frequency of the pollen belonging to nectariferous plants. Honey is considered monofloral if the pollen from the sediment comes predominantly from a named botanical origin and overpasses 45% from the total count of pollen grains counted on the microscopic slide.
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