Palynological Study of Honey Samples from Four Localities in Kogi East, Nigeria

Abstract

Pollen-analytical examinations were made of four honey samples from four localities of Kogi State (Idah, Ajaka, Igalamela –Odolu and Inachalo-Oforachi). The control and check of honey for adulteration stimulated this study in honey pollen analysis. It sought to examine and ascertain the species of plants which were incorporated into honey. 10g of each thoroughly shaken honey sample were analyzed after acetolysis. Microscoscopic examinations were made using Carl Zeiss model of microscope. Pollen counts and fine morphological studies were made at x 400 magnification. Grain counts of 3,195, 2,274, 2,522 and 3,105 were recorded for Idah, Ajaka, Igalamela-Odolu and Inachalo-Oforachi respectively. A total of twenty one (21) pollen types were recorded, nineteen (19) of which were identified to family level while (2) remained unidentified. Identifications were carried out down to genetic level but sometimes to species or only to family levels. Some predominant pollen types included Leuceanea glauca, Parkia biglobosa, Elaeis guineensis, Phyllanthus sp and Bombax buonopozense. The four honey samples were unadulterated. This was deduced from the pollen weights and counts. From the pollen identifications, the botanical and geographical origin as well as the season of honey production of each sample were determined and also associated with definite vegetation types which reflected the vegetation of low land rainforest/Guinea savanna.