Science production of pesticide residues in honey research: A descriptive bibliometric study

Abstract

This work aims to provide a comprehensive study of the available research information on pesticide residues in honey through literature analysis. The research advancements within this research field from 1948 to 2019 are addressed using the Web of Science database. The results from the 685 articles analyzed indicate that this research field is in the focus of interest nowadays (Price index: 47.5 %). The yearly production increased steadily from 2001 on, and authors, journals, and institutions followed Lotka's law. On the other hand, Pico, Y (Spain) (2.5 %), Journal of Chromatography A (5.8 %), the USA (15.0 %) and Agricultural Research Service (USA) (4.0 %) were the most productive author, journal, country and institution, respectively. The research hotspots of this field, according to keyword analysis, are related to the chromatographic techniques for the determination of pesticides such as imidacloprid, neonicotinoids, or coumaphos in honey and derivate products such as propolis and wax.