Preliminary survey of the nutritional and palynological traits of honey bee-foraged pollen from Liguria (Italy)

It is known that the palynological features, and consequently the nutritional quality, of bee-foraged pollen vary according to several factors such as sampling site and period of year. In our two year study, carried out as part of the COLOSS CSI Pollen study between April and September in the eastern province of Genova (Italy), we explored the relationships between the palynological spectra and the protein content of corbicular pollen. We found that the differences are mainly driven by the collection season rather than by the site. This observation allowed us to employ the sample's palynological traits for the identification of foraging seasons characterized by different protein content in pollen. The outcome of our study provides a useful tool for beekeepers, helping them to cautiously program certain apiary management practices. This work also provides suggestions for future monitoring programs, regarding the advantages of studying the seasonal pattern not only of the floral origin of pollen but also of its nutritional traits.