Determination of the botanical and geographical origins of honey in northern Oman

Knowledge about botanical and georaphical sources of honey are very important for beekeepers while it indicates adequate and abundant supply soures of nectar and pollen for bees, thus contributing toward enhanced productivity. Microscopic analysis of the pollen in honey is used to determine its flora and locality origin. This knowledge is very important for Omani beekeepers as they are producing high-quality honey with its distinctive flavour and aroma. The present study reports the most botanical and geographical sources in northern Oman where the honey is harvested twice a year, i.e. in summer and winter. The study shows that Ziziphus spina -christi, Acacia tortilis Prosopis cineraria, Citrus sp., Maerua crassifolia, and Prosopis juliflora constitute the chief nectar and pollen sources for honeybees in this area. Each plant source yields honey with specific biochemical characteristics. The identified pollen/nectar sources reflect a wide range of foraging plant species for honeybees and encompass sufficient potential for sustaining beekeeping ventures in Northern Oman.