Honey Metagenomic DNA Analysis - MDA test

What is honey MDA?
What does the Honey Metagenomic DNA Analysis (MDA) show?

Honey plants
- Honey contains the DNA of all the species bees come in contact with.
- DNA analysis can identify over 5,000 plant species from a honey sample.
- The study includes pollen, nectar, and honeydew plants.
Identification of plants in honey DNA analysis
- All plants whose gene sequences are in world databases are identified.
- The average honey sample contains traces of DNA from tens or hundreds of plant species; pollen plants, nectar plants and honeydew plants.
- The amount and selection of plants found in the honey depends on the richness of species in the collection area, collection preferences of the bees, weather, etc.
How does honey DNA analysis work?
- The sample reaches to the laboratory
- DNA (of plants, animals, bacteria, insects, fungi, etc.) is extracted
- DNA sequences are determined by sequencing technology
- Based on DNA sequences, the composition of the organisms in the honey is analyzed
- DNA composition of the honey is compared against an authentic honey profile database

Honeybee pathogens and parasites
- Honey contains DNA from pests (bacteria, fungi, and arthropods).
- DNA analysis detects 20 important pathogens or parasites in a honey sample.
- The analysis includes agents of American and European foulbrood, Nosematosis, Chalkbrood and other diseases.
Determination of bee pathogens and parasites
- Pathogens and parasites associated with bees are identified, including bacteria, fungi, and arthropods.
- 20 essential pathogens and parasites were selected for honey DNA analysis. The list can be found HERE.
What can be found out with honey DNA analysis?
- What kind of plant’s nectar and pollen the honey is made from?
- Can honey be monofloral on some plants?
- Are there traces of DNA of pathogens/parasites associated with bees in the analyzed sample?
- Information about the honey's quality and authenticity.

Authenticity and quality of honey
- The DNA profile of authentic honey consists of DNA sequences from plants, bacteria, fungi, and insects.
- Based on the DNA profile, the authenticity of the honey is evaluated.
- Changes and manipulations with honey DNA profile are easily detectable.
Detection of honey adulteration
- The honey DNA profile is compared against a comprehensive honey DNA database. Deviations can be in both the species composition and quantitative ratio of different species.
Each honey has a unique composition and does not resemble entirely to any other honey. The DNA profiles of authentic honeys with naturally diverse compositions share certain common patterns. Significant deviations in honey DNA profiles are identified using a machine-learning method of data analysis. Therefore, changes and manipulations with the honey DNA profile are easily detectable.
Advantages of honey DNA metagenomic analysis

The MDA test analyzes entire DNA contained in the honey, which opens a significantly wider view of the sample than, for example, PCR or DNA barcoding tests.

The MDA test detects the presence of DNA traces of more than 100,000 different species of plants, bacteria, fungi, insects, mammals, etc. in the honey sample.
In addition to pollen plants, MDA also detects nectar and honeydew plants, and DNA traces of bee pathogens or parasites.

To analyze the DNA profile of honey, 1-20 million DNA sequences are created, which provides comprehensive information about the honey sample.

The DNA profile of each honey is unique and cannot be imitated artificially. During MDA, machine learning methods are used to detect deviations from DNA profiles of previously analyzed authentic (reference) honeys.
The power of honey DNA test in numbers
The number of DNA sequences per sample

10-20 million
The number of species that can be identified (plants, bacteria, fungi, arthropods etc.)

10,000+
Plant species whose DNA can be detected with the test

5,000+
The most important honey bee pathogens and parasites

20
The result report of honey DNA analysis is sent electronically in two files:
- 1. A detailed PDF report. about authenticity.
- 2. An interactive Krona plot reflects all the organisms detected in the analysed sample.
- 3. An interactive Krona plot reflects all plants detected in the analysed sample.
- 4. The Excel file includes the presence of 20 selected honeybee pathogens and parasites.

Ordering MDA test
- The MDA test can be ordered by a private person, a self-employed person, a nonprofit association, or a company.
- 100 g of honey is required for the test.
- After the ordering we will send out the order form and sample collection instructions.
Honey DNA Analysis (MDA) Ordering
- The MDA test can be ordered by a private person, a self-employed person, a nonprofit association, or a company.
- 100 g of honey is required for the test.
- After the ordering we will send out the order form and sample collection instructions.

Our client may use the DNA-proof label when marketing honey. The client may only use the label on honey batches tested by Celvia CC and certified as authentic. The label in English is part of the analysis report. Other languages are available upon request.

Kaarel Krjutškov PhD

Diana Lanevskaja

Kristel Paabo

Priit Paluoja PhD
