Palynology

Palynology is the scientific study of pollen grains and plant spores — microscopic structures that are chemically resistant and preserve well in sediment, soil, peat, ice, and other matrices. In agronomy, palynology is applied to reconstruct past vegetation and land-use histories, monitor crop pollination dynamics, trace the botanical origin of honey, assess aeroallergen loads, and support plant breeding programmes. It bridges botany, ecology, archaeology, and environmental science.