Search

Ensuring food safety and protecting consumers are major aspects for commercialized products. Honey, the most prominent in the class of bee products, requires special regulations due to its origin as a natural product. Mislabeling, imitation, and adulteration represent a source of risks for human health. Specific determinations and analyses are essential for controlling the sector and preventing unfair competition. To compare and establish the correct labeling of several different honeys, melissopalynological, physicochemical, mineral content, and microbiological analyses were carried out on 18 samples commercially available in different countries, namely Türkiye, Romania, Bulgaria, and Northern Cyprus. The honey labels were in accordance with the determined pollen content. The physiochemical parameters showed high variability: 4.07–5.25 (pH), 79.95–83.45 (°Brix), 0.262–1.452 µS/cm (electrical conductivity), and 14.6–18.4% (moisture). The samples were quantitatively high in K, P, Na, and Ca, with the highest cumulative mineral content being found for honeys containing Fagaceae pollen. Additionally, the antimicrobial potential of the various honey samples was evaluated against selected bacteria, employing the disk diffusion and serial dilution methods. Results revealed that the honey samples exhibited increased antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, with notable activity against S. typhimurium, and moderate activity against Gram-positive S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fallopia japonica (FJ), an invasive plant species known for its rich bioactive compounds, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine. Despite its significant beekeeping potential, this aspect of FJ remains underexplored. This research aims to investigate the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of FJ plants and honey. Notably, this study is the first to identify individual phenolic compounds in both FJ plant tissues and FJ honey, highlighting resveratrol as a marker of FJ honey. The study tested inhibitory activity against seven bacterial strains: Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Salmonella enteritidis, and the yeast Candida albicans. Disk diffusion and microdilution methods were used to assess antimicrobial activity, while the crystal violet staining test evaluated antibiofilm activity. Results showed that FJ plant tissues and honey exhibited strong inhibition, particularly against Gram-negative bacterial strains. The most significant inhibition of biofilm formation, by both FJ plant tissues and honey, was observed against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. A significant positive correlation was found between antimicrobial activity and individual polyphenols, especially resveratrol. The antibacterial and antibiofilm potential of FJ plant tissues and honey suggests promising applications in sustainable beekeeping. Further research is necessary to evaluate the bioactive compounds found in FJ honey and their health effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fallopia japonica (FJ), commonly known as Japanese knotweed, is now recognized as one of the most invasive plants in Europe and globally. Despite its widespread presence in Europe and its significant nectar production, there is currently limited scientific data on the unique unifloral honey derived from it. This study examines the physicochemical composition of Fallopia japonica honey (FJH) samples collected from various regions in Romania. Additionally, the nutritional and antioxidant profiles of FJH were assessed. The sensory analysis revealed a honey with a brown-caramel color and an intense flavor, characterized by fine, consistent crystals during crystallization. The results indicated that FJH has a high carbohydrate content (fructose: 35.12–40.65 g/100 g; glucose: 28.06–37.79 g/100 g); elevated electrical conductivity (387–692 µS/cm), diastase activity (9.11–17.01 DN), and acidity (21.61–42.89 meq/kg); and substantial total phenolic (89.87–120.08 mg/100 g) and flavonoid (18.13–39.38 mg/g) contents. These findings highlight FJH's favorable nutritional properties, aligning with the standard codex for honey. The antioxidant profile of FJH demonstrated strong DPPH and ferric reduction antioxidant power (FRAP) activities, comparable to those of buckwheat honey, underscoring its potential health benefits and commercial value. These results provide new insights into how this invasive plant can be harnessed as a valuable resource for sustainable beekeeping practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates the suitability of three lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains—Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Apilactobacillus kunkeei—for use as probiotics in apiculture. Given the decline in bee populations due to pathogens and environmental stressors, sustainable alternatives to conventional treatments are necessary. This study aimed to assess the potential of these LAB strains in a probiotic formulation for bees through various in vitro tests, including co-culture interactions, biofilm formation, auto-aggregation, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, antibiotic susceptibility, and resistance to high osmotic concentrations. This study aimed to assess both the individual effects of the strains and their combined effects, referred to as the LAB mix. Results indicated no mutual antagonistic activity among the LAB strains, demonstrating their compatibility with multi-strain probiotic formulations. The LAB strains showed significant survival rates under high osmotic stress and simulated gastrointestinal conditions. The LAB mix displayed enhanced biofilm formation, antioxidant activity, and antimicrobial efficacy against different bacterial strains. These findings suggest that a probiotic formulation containing these LAB strains could be used for a probiotic formulation, offering a promising approach to mitigating the negative effects of pathogens. Future research should focus on in vivo studies to validate the efficacy of these probiotic bacteria in improving bee health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to investigate the genetic variability of Rosa species and cultivars using morphological traits and PCR-based start codon targeted (SCoT) molecular markers to determine their degree of relatedness. Morphological analysis revealed significant differences between the genotypes. Thus, the rosehip fruit diameter ranged between 16.4 mm (R. canina Baisoara) and 26.5 mm (R. rugosa UASVM Cluj-Napoca), whereas the fruits length ranged between 33.7-27.2 mm for R. canina and 19.1-20.2 mm for R. rugosa. Regarding the number of seeds/fruit, the highest average number was registered in R. canina Salina Turda (30.05) and the lowest in R. rugosa UASVM Cluj-Napoca (17.15). Analysis of SCoT bands revealed a polymorphism ranging from 62.5% (SCoT 8) to 81.81% (SCoT 2). The PCoA and PCA analysis plots showed a tight grouping of the R. canina genotypes, distinct from the others Rosa sp. The cluster analysis divided the samples into two groups: the first comprised R. galica, R. rugosa, and R. damascena, while the second consisted of R. canina. Significant variations in each subgroup may be attributed to the samples' origins, and to morphological and genetic differences. These results provide new perspectives for exploiting the existing genetic variability among the evaluated species and further using them for ornamental, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptocarpus is a very popular houseplant with colorful flowers, and has thus piqued the curiosity of plant enthusiasts and breeders. In this study, "Natalie" and "Bristol's Gum Drop" were artificially hybridized to study the influence of the parental reciprocal crosses (P1×P2 and P2×P1) on vegetative and generative morphological traits of F1 progeny. Mean comparisons for morphological characters of parents and F1 plants from both crosses revealed that F1 plants were able to express hybrid vigor for several valuable morphological characteristics. Pearson correlations showed both significant negative and positive correlations between morphological traits of F1 plants from P1×P2 cross, while in the case of P2×P1 no significant negative correlations were observed (p < 0.05). The Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) genetic profiles of the F1 plants with the identifiers P1×P2.19 and P1×P2.35 were remarkably similar, and they grouped with the maternal parent in a small group, supporting the findings of clustering based on morphological data. The parental combination P2×P1 revealed the presence of closely related progenies to the paternal parent, namely P2×P1.16 and P2×P1.5. Two F1 plants named P1×P2.33 and P2×P1.21 were selected based on their phenotypic characteristics and SCoT molecular fingerprinting. These selected genotypes will be tested in our future breeding programs with the aim to create and promote new valuable Streptocarpus cultivars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Palynological research has applicability in several scientific fields, the most important being taxonomy, plant evolution, medicine and the analysis of honey - melissopalynology. The palynology provides data regarding the botanical and geographical origin of bee products like bee pollen, bee bread, royal jelly and propolis, which is useful in establishing their provenance and correct labelling. This paper details the characteristics and investigation of several methods for obtaining microscope slides from different bee products. The microscopic examination represents an essential part of the palynological analysis. Several methods for the preparation of microscopic slides were selected and assessed regarding preparation time, costs, dangerous substances used and results. The methods were employed successfully for different bee products, but the non-acetolysis method published by Louveaux et al. (1978) offers several advantages in terms of ease of use, safety and efficiency. The results of our comparative analysis emphasize that some methods are recommended for the creation of reference libraries, while others are well suited for being used in routine analysis of bee products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyclamen genus is part of the Primulaceae family consisting of 24 species widely cultivated as ornamental and medicinal plants. They also possess high plasticity in terms of adaptability to alternating environmental conditions. In this regard, the present study investigates the germination and morphological parameters of heat-tolerant and heat-sensitive Cyclamen persicum accessions in the presence of different GA3 solutions (0, 30, 70 and 90 mg/L) under ambient temperature and heat stress conditions. Heat-tolerant genotypes, mainly C3-Smartiz Victoria (6.42%), C15-Merengue magenta (6.47%) and C16-Metis silverleaf (5.12%) had the highest germination rate with 90 mg/L GA3 treatment compared with control. Regarding heat-sensitive genotypes, C11-Verano (5.11%) and C13-Metis Origami (4.28%) had the lowest values in mean germination time, along with the Petticoat genotypes C1 (73.3%) and C2 (80.0%) with a high germination percentage. Heat-tolerant genotypes positively responded to GA3 (70 and 90 mg/L) even under heat stress conditions, by their higher values in plant height, an ascending trend also seen in heat-sensitive genotypes under GA3 treatment (70 and 90 mg/L). According to the hierarchical clustering, several heat-tolerant genotypes showed peculiar behavior under heat stress conditions, namely C3 (Smartiz Victoria), C7 (Halios falbala) and C8 (Latinia pipoca) which proved to be susceptible to heat stress even under GA3 application, compared with the other genotypes which showed tolerance to higher temperatures. In the case of heat-sensitive genotypes, C4 (Smartiz violet fonce), C6 (Metis blank pur), C11 (Verano) and C13 (Metis origami) possessed higher positive or negative values compared with the other heat-sensitive genotypes with increased doses of GA3. These genotypes were shown to be less affected by heat stress, suggesting their positive response to hormone treatment. In conclusion, the above-mentioned genotypes, particularly heat-tolerant C15 and heat-sensitive C2 with the highest germination capacity and development can be selected as heat-resistant genotypes to be deposited in gene banks and used in further amelioration programs under biotic and/or abiotic stresses to develop resistant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was to study the total phenolics content and antibacterial activity of bee pollen samples from different sources. Total polyphenols content was quantified according to the Folin-Ciocâlteu spectrophotometric method using GA as standard and the results were expressed in terms of mg GAE/g pollen. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of bee pollen samples from different sources were collected and investigated against multiple bacterial strains, as follows: five gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, Bacillus cereus ATCC14579, Bacillus laterosporus 6932, Paenibacillus larvae 9820 and Paenibacillus alvei 13253, and four gram-negative Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076, Salmonella typhi ATCC 14028 and the yeast Candida albicans ATCC 90028. The samples with predominant pollen in Brassicaceae and Rosaceae possessed high levels of polyphenols content, whereas the samples predominant in Fabaceae showed lower levels of polyphenols. Regarding the antibacterial activity, our results revealed that most of the strains were inhibited by the ½ and ¼ dilutions. The gram-negative bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans proved to be resistant to all bee pollen methanolic extracts. Our results showed that bee pollen samples have strong antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beeswax is the raw material of the honeycomb that the bee colony carries out in its vital activities. Beeswax is also a bee product, such as honey, pollen, royal jelly and bee bread for beekeeping. Because beeswax is an absorbent, it can collect pollutants inside and outside the hive. The bee products produced from this honeycomb pose a risk to human and bee health. Older combs can also provide shelter from pathogenic microorganisms. In particular, honeycomb processing equipments have a very important responsibility for the hygiene of old honeycombs. Beeswax attracts attention with its wide usage area. As a coating agent in the food industry, it is a product used in cosmetics, soap, candle, cream, textile, paint, paper industry, health and many other fields, such as wax sculptures. This study aims to present new perspectives that can be used in relevant fields in the light of recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]