Morphometric Structure of Almond Pollens (Prunus amygdalus L.) with Their Protein and Mineral Contents

This study aimed to determine the morphometric characteristics as well as the protein and mineral matter contents of almond (Prunus amygdalus L.) pollens. The research was conducted in a 62-decare orchard with 6×6 m planting distance located in Bozcayazı village, Kilis, using Ferragnes and Ferradual almond cultivars. During the blooming period, pollen traps were mounted on the flight boards of honey bee colonies to collect pollen pellets, and additional pollen samples were directly obtained from flower specimens. In laboratory analyses, samples were prepared in 0.7% physiological saline solution, centrifuged, and examined morphometrically under a light microscope with a 40×/0.65 objective after slide preparation. Pollen pellet weights were measured using a balance with 0.0001 g precision, mineral contents were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry following the adapted A.O.A.C. 920.181 method, and protein content was analyzed using the DUMAS method. Morphometric results showed that in the Ferragnes cultivar, the horizontal axis length was 47.55±0.12 µm, the vertical axis length was 48.78±0.10 µm, and the pollen pellet weight was 7.05±0.14 mg; pollens were triangular in shape with a smooth surface structure. In the Ferradual cultivar, the horizontal axis length was 54.30±0.15 µm and the vertical axis length was 62.45±0.11 µm, and pollens were oval with a smooth surface. Chemical analyses revealed that almond pollens contained 25.78±0.26% protein and were particularly rich in potassium (281.80±0.15 ppm), followed by calcium (80.11±0.12 ppm), magnesium (66.40±0.13 ppm), sodium (19.40±0.18 ppm), iron (20.81±0.16 ppm), and copper (2.80±0.21 ppm). The findings demonstrate that almond pollens constitute a significant source of protein and essential minerals for honey bees, especially during brood-rearing periods, while honey bees contribute substantially to fruit yield through effective pollination in almond orchards. Furthermore, pollen is recognized as a valuable natural product for human nutrition, with reported positive effects on the immune, digestive, and reproductive systems.