In a collaborative effort to combat honey adulteration, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and Udayana University (UNUD) have joined forces to develop a novel DNA-based technique for honey authentication. This initiative, funded by the UNUD International Senior Fellowship (UNISERF) program, addresses a growing threat to the honey industry in Southeast Asia.
The project originated from the concerns of Dr. IB Wayan Gunam from UNUD, Bali, Indonesia, who recognized the detrimental effects of counterfeit honey on local producers. To address this issue, Dr. Gunam partnered with Prof. Fahrul Huyop, a renowned microbiologist and molecular biologist from UTM’s Biosciences Department.
Their strategy involved employing Illumina sequencing on environmental DNA (eDNA) found in honey samples. This method allowed them to identify unique microbial fingerprints in honey produced from Lombok, Bali, and Banggi Island in Sabah. Prof. Huyop’s prior research in Terengganu, which utilized ITS2 sequencing on honey from Malaysian giant honeybees and stingless bees, provided valuable insights into plant diversity within specific locations.
The UNISERF-supported project facilitated a visit by Dr. Gunam to Prof. Huyop in Bali’s Karangasem region. Their collaborative efforts focused on amplicon sequencing of honey bees, leading to the identification of distinct pollen signatures. This discovery sheds light on the floral sources and foraging patterns of bees, addressing a significant challenge for the Indonesian honey industry.
Their findings, published in the June 2024 edition of Scientific Reports by Nature Publishing Group, represent the first profiling of honey samples from Lombok, Bali, and Banggi Island. This groundbreaking research utilizes next-generation sequencing (NGS) to analyze the microbial communities within raw honey, pinpointing key factors that influence bacterial and fungal diversity. The study successfully differentiates honey samples based on their unique mycobiome composition, focusing on the ITS1 region.
This research paves the way for ITS1 sequencing as a powerful tool for honey authentication and origin determination. The generated data holds immense potential for the honey industries in Indonesia and Malaysia. By understanding how different honey types influence microbial communities, stakeholders can optimize production methods, ensure hive health, and prioritize sustainability and quality assurance.
Furthermore, geographical authentication using ITS1 sequencing enhances consumer confidence by verifying honey authenticity and combating fraudulent labeling practices. These findings are expected to significantly influence market strategies within the honey industry.
While previous research has explored microbial dynamics in honey, Prof. Huyop and Dr. Gunam’s work breaks new ground by focusing on geographic origin authentication using advanced sequencing techniques. Future research endeavors include expanding reference databases and investigating the economic impact on both beekeepers and consumers. These efforts aim to solidify trust and promote authenticity within the honey industry.
Prof. Huyop and Dr. Gunam’s collaboration represents a significant leap forward in scientific understanding and practical application within the honey industry. Their work paves the way for a more secure and sustainable future for honey production in Southeast Asia.
