Comparison of DNA extraction methods for the determination of botanical origin of portuguese honey
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abstract
Honey can be c1assified based on the type of flowers used by the bees to collect pollen as
unifloral honey, if arising predominantly from a single botanical origin, which generally
represents more than 45% of the total pollen content, or as multi floral honey, if it is produced
from various plant species A single plant origin should assure a product of better quality
because it guarantees a specific and well-defined tlavor and aroma. For this reason, monotloral
honeys generally attain higher commercially value, especially those labeled as PDO (Protected
Designation of Origin) Thus, the botanical authentieation of honey is of high importanee. To
date, mieroscopie analysis of pollen (melissopalynology) is the technique used to assess the
origin of honey. However, this type of analysis is time consuming and dependent on the
experienee and slcill of trained analysts. In contrast, DNA-based methods are less dependent on
the analyst, highly specific and easily applied to laboratories with the suitable equipment [I].
