Botanical Origin and Diversity of Pollen in Honey Samples Collected from Uzbekistan Determined by the Melissopalynological Analysis

Beekeeping and honey production is important agricultural component in Uzbekistan. However, scientific verification of honey origin remains limited. Given increasing concerns about honey authenticity and labeling accuracy, this study aimed to evaluate the botanical origin of Uzbek honey using melissopalynological analysis. A total of 26 honey samples collected from supermarkets, markets, apiaries, and universities in the Tashkent region, examined to determine the correspondence between pollen composition and the floral source stated on product labels. Of the total, 20 samples were classified as monofloral honey based on the dominant pollen (>45%), while the remaining six were considered multifloral. Notably, 12 samples labeled as multifloral were reclassified as monofloral based on pollen dominance, revealing inconsistencies between actual content and labeling. Only 5 samples(1 Tilia, 3 Alhagi, 1 Helianthus) showed agreement between dominant pollen and the label claim. A total of 17 pollen taxa were identified, and hierarchical clustering analysis revealed distinct groupings based on dominant pollen types. These findings underscore the need for standardized labeling practices and demonstrate the value of melissopalynology as a reliable tool for verifying the botanical origin of honey and supporting the development of quality standards for Uzbekistan honey.