Pollen Identification in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Apiaries on Guam Using DNA Metabarcoding

Pollen Identification in Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Apiaries on Guam Using DNA Metabarcoding

Honey bees
Apis mellifera
Pollen—Collection
DNA barcoding
Biodiversity—Micronesia

Honey bees on Guam forage on both native and non-native plant species; however, little is known regarding the species from which pollen and nectar are collected. DNA metabarcoding was employed to identify the sources of pollen collected from ten honey bee apiaries on Guam. Pollen was sampled quarterly from three hives from each apiary for one year beginning in January 2022. Metabarcoding was performed on pollen samples collected on Guam by Jonah Ventures Laboratory, Boulder, Colorado. A total of 139 plant taxa were identified across all apiaries, with 39% of the samples identified to the species level and the remaining 61% identified to family or genus. The most abundant plant species identified in all pollen samples were Leucaena leucocephala at 14.12%, followed by Flagellaria indica at 4.19%, and Casuarina equisetifolia at 2.70%. Among samples not identified to the species level, Fabaceae accounted for 50.59% of the remaining samples and Arecaceae for 4.16%. The remaining 6.25% of the unidentified pollen grains were spread across 52 families and 49 genera. Seasonal variation of pollen is vital for honey bee nutritional diversity, health, and survival. It reflects the changing availability of floral resources and the adaptive strategies of honey bees in response to environmental changes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for managing honey bee populations and ensuring their success in the face of environmental challenges.

Jonae A.N. Sayama

University of Guam

May 2024

Dr. Ross Miller, Chair
Dr. Frank Camacho, Member
Paul Packbier, Member

Academic use permitted with proper attribution to author. Permission required for other uses, reproduction, or distribution.

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SP 2024 Thesis_Sayama J_Pollen Identification