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A PLAUSIBLE ROLE FOR POLLEN-RESIDING MOLDS IN AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES

H Belhadj, D Harzallah, S Dahamna

    Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences
    |May 5, 2016
    PubMed

    Insights

    Bee pollen harbors a diverse fungal community, including potentially harmful and beneficial species. This study identified various molds, highlighting bee pollen

    Area of Science:

    • Microbiology
    • Mycology
    • Food Science

    Background:

    • Bee pollen is a nutrient-rich substance collected by honeybees.
    • Pollen can harbor various microorganisms, including fungi.
    • Understanding the fungal diversity in bee pollen is crucial for safety and potential applications.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the microbial content of bee pollen samples.
    • To identify and characterize fungal species present in bee pollen.
    • To assess the potential risks and benefits associated with the fungal flora in bee pollen.

    Main Methods:

    • Collected 15 bee pollen samples.
    • Quantified total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, mold, and yeast counts.
    • Isolated and characterized fungal strains using conventional microbiological methods.

    Main Results:

    • Total aerobic mesophilic counts ranged from 3.00 to 5.48 Log CFU/g.
    • Total mold and yeast counts ranged from 2.3 to 6.99 Log CFU/g.
    • Identified phytopathogenic (e.g., Penicillium sp., Aspergillus flavus), food spoilage, animal pathogenic, and biotechnologically valuable fungi (e.g., Geotrichum candidum).

    Conclusions:

    • Bee pollen contains a highly diverse fungal flora.
    • The identified fungi include species with pathogenic, spoilage, and beneficial properties.
    • Bee pollen represents a potential source for fungal microorganisms with various applications.

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