Botanical and geographical characterisation of honeys in Diamante, Entre Ríos, Argentina

Abstract

Seventy-five samples of honey produced by honeybees from the Department Diamante (Entre Rios, Argentina) were analysed for pollen content. One hundred and forty-two morphological types were identified, belonging to 62 botanical families. Unifloral honeys were predominant (59%). The main type of honey produced was from Glycine max (21%), Lotus corniculatus (15%), ?clovers? (11%), Ammi spp. (5%), Melilotus albus, Salix humboldtiana (3%) and Medicago sativa (1%). By means of quantitative analysis, 85% of the honeys were classified as Classes I and II.Foraging behaviour and pollen diversity were analysed in honey samples. Geographical markers are proposed for these honeys. The expected differentiation of samples attributable to sub-environments and harvest dates is discussed.