Identification of Suitable Climatic Regions for Beekeeping in Isfahan Province with a Combined Approach of Fuzzy Logic and Melissopalynology

Several factors play a role in the suitability of the natural environment for the beekeeping industry through a systematic view. In this paper, first, the possibility of identifying proper regions for beekeeping was identified by fuzzy analysis considering the physical and climatic factors in Isfahan Province. In the second step, honey samples were selected with suitable distribution in the province to evaluate the quality of honey and to distinguish original honey by measuring physical and chemical parameters through melissopalynology and chemical analysis. Having primarily assessed the study case, about 85% of areas of the province were found improper for the beekeeping industry while about 14 percent of the areas were identified as the suitable regions for apiculture and honey production.Based on results, 8.5 and 6.08 percent of the suitable beekeeping areas lie in good and moderate categories, respectively. Pollen analysis showed that the samples basically belong to 86 plant types in four regions of Isfahan province including Khansar, Najafabad, Semirom, and Fereydunshahr counties. On the basis of chemical analysis and melissopalynology outputs, out of 60 honey samples sent to the laboratory, only 39 samples were identified with pollen (original honey) and the rest was detected as adulterated honey without pollen. Chemical analysis of honey showed that high-quality honey samples were obtained from all of the four regions of Isfahan province. Finally, the Semirom region was identified as the most suitable area for investing in the apiculture industry, producing high-quality medical (monofloral) honey.