<i>Prunus spinosa</i> L. pollen - quantity and nutritional quality

Abstract

Pollen production and pollen quality in Prunus spinosa L. (Rosaceae), a common early-spring flowering plant from the temperate zone was evaluated. The species is an efficient pollen producer, as it can produce 0.23 mg of pollen per flower and 1.99 g of pollen per 1 m² of shrub surface, however, the values may differ considerably between seasons. Its pollen contains a high amount of proteins (22.1–34.2%). The total lipid content in the pollen ranged between 2.7 and 3.6%. The presence of omega-3, omega-6, and omega-9 fatty acids was found. Among omega-3 fatty acids, inflammation inhibitors, i.e., α-linolenic acid and arachidonic acid, were detected. The predominant mineral was potassium, followed by calcium and magnesium. P. spinosa pollen is an important ingredient of bee pollen loads containing 89.1–98.2% of Prunus pollen. P. spinosa should be recommended for planting in the agricultural landscape in order to support the early spring diet for pollinators.