A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL RELATIONSHIP OF THE POLLEN SPECTRA OF HONEYS FROM OURENSE (NW SPAIN)

The influence of environmental conditions on the pollen spectra of hon eys is analyzed with reference to two different aspects: a. Interannua l differences in pollen content related to changes in the flora. b. In traannual differences in pollen spectra and utilization of the flora b y honey bees. The pollen content of honeys collected between 1986 and 1991 reflects the modifications shown by certain taxa, either due to e nvironmental deterioration (Lotus corniculatus, Sedum sp.) or to chang es in meteorological conditions (Castanea sativa, Rubus sp.). Finally, a study of the pollen of honeys from storage to collection demonstrat es a higher presence of late-flowering taxa (Castanea sativa, Rubus sp .), in the final spectrum as compared with others which are collected by honey bees, but used mostly for colony survival, and which are, the refore, scantly represented in the final spectrum (e.g. Brassica sp.).