The first ITS2 sequence data set of eDNA from honey of Malaysian giant honeybees (Apis dorsata) and stingless bees (Heterotrigona itama) reveals plant species diversity

Using pollen DNA metabarcoding to trace the geographical and botanical origin of honey from Karangasem, Indonesia

The unique floral fingerprint embedded within honey holds valuable clues to its geographical and botanical origin, playing a crucial role in ensuring authenticity and detecting adulteration. Honey from native Apis cerana and Heterotrigona itama bees in Karangasem, Indonesia, was examined utilizing pollen DNA metabarcoding for honey source identification. In this study, we used ITS2 amplicon sequencing to identify floral DNA in honey samples. The finding reveals distinct pollen signatures for each bee species. Results analysis showed A. cerana honey generated 179,267 sequence reads, assembled into Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) with a total size of 485,932 bp and an average GC content of 59 %. H. itama honey generated 177,864 sequence reads, assembled into ASVs with a total size of 350,604 bp and an average GC content of 57 %. A. cerana honey exhibited a rich tapestry of pollen from eleven diverse genera, with Schleichera genus dominating at an impressive relative read abundance of 72.8 %. In contrast, H. itama honey displayed a remarkable mono-dominance of the Syzygium genus, accounting for a staggering 99.95 % of its pollen composition or relative read abundance, highlighting their distinct foraging preferences and floral resource utilization. Notably, all identified pollen taxa were indigenous to Karangasem, solidifying the geographical link between honey and its origin. This study demonstrates pollen DNA metabarcoding may identify honey floral sources. By using pollen profiles from different bee species and their foraging patterns, we may protect consumers against honey adulteration and promote sustainable beekeeping in Karangasem district. Future research could explore expanding the database of reference pollen sequences and investigating the influence of environmental factors on pollen composition in honey. Investigating this technology's economic and social effects on beekeepers and consumers may help promote fair trade and sustainable beekeeping worldwide.

Baseline amplicon sequencing data for the ITS2 region in the green honey of Banggi Island, Sabah

Green honey, was discovered on Banggi Island, Sabah, showing high in essential amino acids and chlorophyll derivatives. Despite its lucrative market potential owing to its distinctive color, uncertainties persist regarding its nature. This study leverages amplicon sequencing by targeting micro- and macro-organisms present in honey environmental DNA (eDNA) using Internal Transcribed Spacer 2 (ITS2) region, enabling the identification of floral and microorganism sources that represent the honey's composition. The investigation into green honey from Banggi Island concerns the prevalence of honey adulteration and authenticity for economic gain. Adulteration methods, such as the addition of sugar syrups, compromise honey purity. Using a sequencing approach would help in determining the geographic origin and verifying the authenticity of the honey. The study aims to identify plant species or microorganisms in honey's eDNA. To authenticate honey, we utilized ITS2 with Illumina sequencing, exploring the diversity of green honey samples. Raw sequence reads obtained for the green honey sample revealed 1,438,627 raw reads, with a GC average of 49.22 %. A total of 44 amplicon sequence variances (ASVs) were identified, including three genera: Zygosaccharomyces with two species, Fraxinus with three species, and the genus Ficaria with only one species. Their respective relative abundances were 98.55%, 0.94%, and 0.51%. Zygosaccharomyces rouxii and Zygosaccharomyces mellis were identified as the pre-dominant yeast species in honey, while the Fraxinus and Ficaria genus represent common plant species in Sabah, particularly in Banggi Island. The dominance of Zygosaccharomyces species aligns with their known prevalence in honey, affirming the reliability of our findings. The presence of Fraxinus and Ficaria in the honey sample correlates with its abundance in the local environment. This amplicon sequencing approach not only contributes to our understanding of green honey composition but also serves as a valuable resource for authenticating honey origin in Malaysia, particularly for green honey from Banggi Island, Sabah. Our study pioneers the application of ITS2 amplicon sequencing for green honey amplicon sequencing, providing valuable insights into its composition and origin. This methodology, with a focus on eDNA, contributes to the authentication and quality determination of honey in Malaysia, addressing the pressing concerns of adulteration and variability in production practices.