Honey Pollen Analysis: How to Identify Nectar Sources from Your Hives

Q: I am interested in matching pollen granules that my honeybees collect with the plant of origin.

The best help I found is from a professor at Texas A&M University in Austin. Although Austin is warmer than Atlanta, flowering plants are similar.

Here's what he says:

Pollen extraction and analysis of pollen from honey is $50/sample.

This includes extraction, pollen concentration values, a CD of photographs of key pollen types, and complete analysis including probable geographical region and primary nectar sources. We examine 200-400 pollen grains per sample. When appropriate, we provide verification documents for export and interpretations based on pollen coefficient values. We generally use 10 grams of honey but prefer 30-50 grams per sample.

Send sample to:
Vaughn M. Bryant, Professor of Anthropology
Director, Palynology Laboratory
Department of Anthropology
Texas A&M University (TAMU 4352)
College Station, TX 77843-4352

Pollen Analysis Website