Caracterización del aporte polínico de especies arbóreas y arbustivas en tres muestras de miel procedentes de apiarios, ubicados en el cantón Riobamba.

Abstract

This investigation consisted of the characterization of the arboreal and shrub species' pollen contribution in three honey samples from apiaries, located in Riobamba Canton. To identify the tree and shrub species in the pollen profile and categorize the selections according to their botanical origin, through melissopalynological analysis; and identify the pollen sources used by Apis mellifera. For this, acetolyzed microscopic preparations were made, the pollen grains obtained were identified, employing a microscope, depending on its size and shape, by comparison with a reference pollen collection. The melissopalynological analyzes showed the dominant families in this investigation were Asteraceae and Myrtaceae, with two species, respectively. The kinds of honey of the Riobamba Canton presented 13 pollen types that were categorized according to the frequency class of Loveaux et al., 1978. Sample one presented a percentage of 24% with the Asteraceae family with the Ambrosia arborescent species and 20% with the Brassicaceae family with the Brassica rapa species, which indicates that it is multifloral honey. Sample two presented a percentage of 30% with the Myrtaceae family with the Eucalyptus globulus species followed by the Fabaceae family with the Trifolium repens species with 21%, being considered secondary pollens, which is why it is considered multi-floral honey. Sample three presented the Myrtaceae family with the Eucalyptus globulus species 28.67% followed by the Brassicaceae family with the Brassica rapa species with 20.67% considered secondary pollens and this honey has been considered a bifloral one. The results obtained are preliminary, therefore it is essential to continue with similar studies at the local and regional level to have technical indicators that allow improving the performance of these agricultural production units.