MORPHOMETRIC VARIATION OF APIS CERANA FABRICIUS AND ALTITUDINAL EFFECTS ON HONEY COMPOSITION IN BAROT VALLEY, WESTERN HIMALAYA

Abstract

The study investigated morphometric variation in Apis cerana F. and the influence of altitude on honey composition in Bharot Valley, Western Himalaya. Worker bees were sampled from three elevations (Jogindernagar, Multhan, Chelra Di Malahn). Morphological traits including head, thorax, abdomen, body length, proboscis, antenna, wing dimensions, and hamuli number increased with elevation, and body pigmentation darkened at higher altitudes. Physicochemical analysis of honey showed all samples met FSSAI and international standards. pH, moisture, electrical conductivity, and HMF indicated good quality and maturation. Low sucrose and appropriate fructose:glucose ratios confirmed fully ripened floral honey. Multhan honey exhibited comparatively higher vitamin C, phenolics, proline, and minerals, suggesting richer biochemical profiles linked to floral origin. Acidity remained within permissible limits. Proline exceeded Codex standards, confirming natural origin. Overall, A. cerana honey from Barot Valley is high quality with favorable nutrition. Altitudinal variation supports region-specific characterization of Himalayan honey and potential for niche commercialization.