• METATECHNE ENTERPRISE
• May 19, 2023

First physicochemical analysis of stingless bee honey from Uganda

Charles Oromokomaa et.al.

Department of Zoology, Entomology and Fisheries Sciences, Makerere University Kampala, Kampala, Uganda

Journal of Apicultural Research, pp. 1-10, 2023

Key research conclusions:

Stingless bees (Meliponula bocandei) have recently been domesticated in Uganda. Beekeepers currently harvest honey and propolis from these bees. Studies from other countries have shown that stingless bee honey has unique physicochemical properties.

To lay the foundation for developing quality standards for stingless bee honey in Uganda, we collected honey from M. bocandei hives in the Western Highlands and Lake Victoria Crescent agroecological zones. We measured the following physicochemical properties of the honey: moisture content, viscosity, water activity, electrical conductivity, and HMF.

The results showed that the mean values of the physicochemical parameters measured were within the figures in the East African Community standards for stingless bee honey. The low mean HMF value revealed that the stingless bee honey from these two agroecological zones is of good quality.

● We recommend further research to establish the diversity of forage plant resources used by the stingless bee M. bocandei in order to boost meliponiculture (the practice of keeping stingless bees).

● Stingless bees have recently been domesticated in Uganda.

● Beekeepers currently harvest honey and propolis from these bees.

● Studies from other countries have shown that stingless bee honey has unique physicochemical properties.

● We collected honey from M. bocandei hives in the Western Highlands and Lake Victoria Crescent agroecological zones.

● We measured the following physicochemical properties of the honey: moisture content, viscosity, water activity, electrical conductivity, and HMF.

● The results showed that the mean values of the physicochemical parameters measured were within the figures in the East African Community standards for stingless bee honey.

● The low mean HMF value revealed that the stingless bee honey from these two agroecological zones is of good quality.

● We recommend further research to establish the diversity of forage plant resources used by the stingless bee M. bocandei in order to boost meliponiculture.