Palynological Analysis of Honey Samples from Apiaries in Selected States of the Middle Belt Region of Nigeria

Honey palynology (melissopalynology) provides critical information about the botanical origins and geographic authenticity of honey, and its professional application to Nigerian Middle Belt apiaries can support quality certification and market development. This study conducted melissopalynological analysis of 60 honey samples collected from commercial and artisanal apiaries in five Middle Belt states: Plateau, Benue, Kogi, Kwara, and Nasarawa. Acetolysed pollen preparations from each sample were examined under light microscopy, and pollen types were identified and counted. Frequency classes were assigned (predominant, secondary, important minor, and minor pollen) following International Commission for Bee Botany standards. Species diversity and botanical origin characterisation were performed for each sample. A total of 112 pollen types were identified across all 60 samples, representing 87 plant species from 52 families. Combretaceae, Fabaceae, and Myrtaceae were the most represented pollen families. Plateau State honey was richest in pollen diversity (mean 34 pollen types per sample), reflecting the high botanical diversity of the Jos Plateau afromontane zone. Benue State samples showed dominance of Vitex doniana pollen in 43% of samples. Unifloral honey types (predominantly from a single species) were documented in 12 samples, with commercial premium potential. Three samples showed pollen profiles inconsistent with their declared geographic origin, raising adulteration concerns. The study recommends palynological analysis as a mandatory authentication tool for Nigerian honey certification programmes.

Keywords: melissopalynology, honey analysis, pollen diversity, Middle Belt Nigeria, honey authentication