A New Record for Propolis Substitute: Pruning Sealer

Abstract

Propolis is produced by honeybees from various secretions of the plants and is combined with digestive enzymes and wax. Factors such as plant content, climate, and location of propolis affect propolis content and its physical and chemical properties. Although honeybees are very selective when collecting propolis, some studies have shown that bees carry asphalt, paint and similar substances to the hive according to the location of the beehive. In this study, it has been observed that the propolis taken from on orchard in Ankara was light brown and red. After this observation, possible source of the propolis was investigated. As a result of the analysis, a total of 28 compounds were observed in propolis and four of them (decanol, homofuraneol, tetradecane, 2-phenylethanol) were derived from the pruning sealer that was applied to the trees located around the beehive.