Análise metabolômica do cérebro de abelhas (Apis mellifera) submetidas a ensaio de Reflexo de Extensão de Probóscide (REP)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Própolis na dieta de abelhas Apis mellifera L. e seu efeito no sistema imune, expressão de genes após o desafio bacteriano e detoxificação frente ao agroquímico Fipronil

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Associação da geoprópolis à quimioterápicos: ação citotóxica e antiproliferativa sobre células HEp-2 e mecanismos envolvidos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Caracterização espacial da atividade apícola na microrregião de Campos do Jordão, São Paulo, Brasil

This study aimed to generate a database related to the spatial distribution of hives and productivity of regional producers, through the Geographic Information System (GIS) using the Global Positioning System. To build the database of geographical information (GIS) software for processing of geo-referenced information was used. The microregion (4 municipalities and 54 beekeepers) shows concentrations (pockets) of beekeepers and hives in certain locations. Further studies are needed on the characteristics of the local flora for bees to infer about possible saturation of floral resources, since no differences were observed between honey production in apiaries isolated or inserted into the pockets. The GIS proved to be an efficient tool for monitoring the location and origin of regional production, and for planning the distribution of hives and apiaries and so, contribute to a better use of flora and improvement of productivity of the apiaries.

Caracterização da produção e qualidade físico-química de méis produzidos no Estado de Pernambuco

The present study had as objective contribute to the characterization of beekeeping in the Pernambuco State and evaluate the physical-chemical quality of the honeys produced in the region. For this, was applied a directed formulary to the representative organ of beekeeping class aboutthe productives and technicals aspects of beekeepers. Was obtained 14 samples of honey by Apis mellifera africanized, stored in sterile plastic vessels was sent to the Beekeeping Products Quality Control Laboratory (CEA-UNITAU). Was observed that the most of beekeepers have of 50 to 100 hives (57,14%), 28,57% of 100 to 200 hives and 14,28% more than 500 hives, being that 85,71% produce 30 to 50 kg honey/hives/flowering. All use the standard hive Langstroth and 85,71% obtain their swarm by capture. About the physical-chemical quality of the honey, was observed that moisture content varied from 18,2% to 22,0%, with mean value of 19,80±1,11; the water activity varied from 0,70 to 0,84 aw, with mean value of 0,79±0,05 aw; the total acidity was 24,91±8,99 meq/kg and the average index of hydroxymethylfurfural was 16,32±17,88 meq/kg. The results obtained are according to the quality limits established by the brazilian legislation, excepted the water activity that exceeded the maximum limit of 0,65 aw. The datasobtained in this paper shows the development of beekeeping in Pernambuco State and the honey presents nice quality.

Energetic feedings influence beeswax production by Apis mellifera L. honeybees

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Influence of seasonality and production method on the antibacterial activity of propolis

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

The chemical composition and pharmacological activities of geopropolis produced by Melipona fasciculata Smith in northeast Brazil

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

An Investigation of Wild Bee Diversity and Abundance in Plots Managed by The Nature Conservancy in South-Central Nebraska and of Beneficial Arthropods Associated with Native Nebraska Flora

Insect pollination is an essential ecosystem service, and bees are the principal pollinators of wild and cultivated plants. Habitat management and enhancement are a proven way to encourage wild bee populations, providing them with food and nesting resources. I examined bee diversity and abundance in plots managed by The Nature Conservancy near Wood River, NE. The plots were seeded with 2 seed mixes at 2 seeding rates: high diversity mix at the recommended rate, high diversity mix double the recommended rate, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) conservation planting (CP) 25 mix at one-half the recommended rate, and NRCS CP25 mix at the recommended rate. I measured wild bee abundance and diversity, and established a database of wild bees associated with the plots. I also compared genus richness and abundance among the plots using and aerial net and blue vane traps to collect bees. Significant differences were not observed in genus richness and diversity among the plots; however, plot size and the ability of blue vane traps to draw bees from a long distance may have influenced my results. In 2008, 15 genera and 95 individual bees were collected using an aerial net and in 2009, 32 genera and 6,103 individual bees were collected using blue vane traps. I also studied the beneficial insects associated with native Nebraska flora. Seventeen species of native, perennial flora were established in 3 separate plots located in eastern Nebraska. I transplanted four plants of each species in randomized 0.61 m x 0.61 m squares of a 3.05 m x 9.14 m plot. Arthropods were sampled using a modified leaf blower/vacuum. Insects and other arthropods were identified to family and organized into groups of predators, parasites, pollinators, herbivores, and miscellaneous. Associations between plant species and families of beneficial arthropods (predators, parasites, and pollinators) were made. Pycnanthemum flexuosum Walter attracted significantly more beneficial arthropod families than 7 other species of plants tested. Dalea purpurea Vent and Liatris punctata Hook also attracted significantly fewer beneficial arthropod families than 4 other species of plants tested. In total, 31 predator, 11 parasitic, 4 pollinator, 31 herbivore, and 10 miscellaneous families of arthropods were recorded.

Respiratory rhythms in stingless bee workers: circadian and ultradian components throughout adult development

The workers of the stingless bee, Melipona quadrifasciata, assume different tasks during their adult life. Newly emerged individuals remain inside the nest, without contact with the external environment. Maturing workers go to more peripheral regions and only the oldest, the foragers, leave the nest. As this diversity of activities implies different metabolic patterns, oxygen consumption has been measured in workers of three different ages: 24-48 h (nurses), 10-15 days (builders), and older than 25 days (foragers). Oxygen consumption of individually isolated workers was determined by intermittent respirometry, under constant darkness and temperature of 25 +/- 1 degrees C. Sets of 24-h measurements were obtained from individuals belonging to each of the three worker groups. Rhythmicity has been assessed in the daily (24 h) and ultradian (5-14 h) domains. This experimental design allowed detection of endogenous rhythms without the influence of the social group and without inflicting stress on the individuals, as would be caused by their longer isolation from the colony. Significant 24-h rhythms in oxygen consumption were present in nurses, builders and foragers; therefore, workers are rhythmic from the age of 24-48 h. However, the amplitude of the circadian rhythm changed according to age: nurses showed the lowest values, while foragers consistently presented the largest ones, about ten times larger than the amplitude of nurses` respiratory rhythm. Ultradian frequencies were detected for all worker groups, the power and frequencies of which varied little with age. This means that the ultradian strength was relatively larger in nurses and apparently maintains some relationship with the queen`s oviposition episodes.

Phylogeny and revision of the Neotropical bee genus Rhectomia s.l. Moure (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Augochlorini)

This paper revises the bees currently considered to belong to the genus Rhectomia s.l. and proposes a species phylogeny based on morphological characters, using other Corynurina as outgroups. The results indicate that Rhinocorynura Schrottky renders Rhectomia s.l. paraphyletic. Consequently, Corynurella is removed from synonymy with Rhectomia s.s., and Paracorynurella gen.n. is proposed. The topology among these genera is: outgroup [(Rhectomia s.s. + Rhinocorynura) (Paracorynurella gen.n. + Corynurella)]. Nine species are assigned to Corynurella: C. brokopondoi sp.n., C. caerulea sp.n., C. cognata sp.n., C. decora sp.n., C. harrisoni (Engel), C. mourei Eickwort, C. nigra sp.n., C. singularis sp.n. and C. triangulata sp.n. Three new species are described in Paracorynurella gen.n.: type species P. betoi sp.n., P. excavata sp.n., P. reticulata sp.n.; P. difficillima (Ducke) comb.n. is transferred from Rhinocorynura. Three species are recognized in Rhectomia s.s.: R. catarina sp.n., R. liebherri Engel and R. pumilla Moure. The male of R. liebherri is described for the first time. Keys for the identification of the genera and species are provided.

Notes and new species of the halictine genus Megommation Moure (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Augochlorini)

A new species of Megommation, M. amazonicum n. sp., is described and illustrated. An identification key for the two species of this genus is provided. Additionally, the lectotype and paralectotype of Megalopta (Megaloptella) ipomoea Schrottky are designated.

Desempenho de cultivares de morango submetidas a diferentes tipos de polinização em cultivo protegido

Resumo – O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes tipos de polinização sobre a qualidade de frutos de cultivares de morangueiro e sua contribuição isolada para a massa dos frutos, bem como determinar o potencial de Plebeia nigriceps (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) como agente polinizador em ambiente protegido. As cultivares Aromas, Diamante e Cegnidarem foram submetidas a tratamentos com autopolinização, polinização por P. nigriceps e polinização livre. Os experimentos foram conduzidos em estufa tipo pampeana, coberta com polietileno transparente e desprovida de telas anti-insetos nas laterais, com 1.344 plantas. Para as avaliações, foram marcadas 56 flores primárias em botão, de cada cultivar, e considerou-se cada planta uma repetição. Avaliaram-se massa de matéria fresca, peso, diâmetro, comprimento e presença de deformação nos frutos. A polinização entomófila tem contribuição variada à massa dos frutos, de acordo com a cultivar. As cultivares apresentam sensibilidade variada à autopolinização, no que se refere à incidência de frutos deformados. Ainterferência da polinização entomófila na produtividade do morangueiro está mais relacionada à redução do percentual de frutos deformados do que ao aumento da massa dos frutos em si. O comportamento de P. nigriceps indica que a espécie apresenta potencial para polinização da cultura do morangueiro em ambiente protegido.

The importance of plant diversity in maintaining the pollinator bee, Eulaema nigrita (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in sweet passion fruit fields

The euglossine bee Eulaema nigrita plays an important role for the pollination of native and economically important plants, such as the sweet passion-fruit Passiflora alata. E. nigrita uniquely collects the nectar from the flowers of P alata, nevertheless, it needs to visit other plants to collect pollen, nectar and other resources for its survival. There are two methods to identify the species of plants used by bees in their diet: by direct observation of the bees in the flowers, and through identification of pollen grains present in brood cells, feces, or in the bees' body. In order to identify the other plants that E. nigrita visits, we analyzed samples of pollen grains removed from the bee's body in the course of the flowering period of P alata. Among our results, the flora visited by E. nigrita comprised 40 species from 32 genera and 19 families, some of them used as a pollen source or just nectar. In spite of being a polyletic species, E. nigrita exhibited preference for some plant species with poricidal anthers. P alata which has high sugar concentration nectar was the main source of nectar for this bee in the studied area. Nonetheless, the pollinic analysis indicated that others nectariferous plant species are necessary to keep the populations of E. nigrita. Studies such as this one are important since they indicate supplementary pollen-nectar sources which must be used for the conservation of the populations of E. nigrita in crops neighbouring areas. In the absence of pollinators, growers are forced to pay for hand pollination, which increases production costs; keeping pollinators in cultivated areas is still more feasible to ensure sweet passion fruit production. Rev. Biol. Trop. 60 (4): 1553-1565. Epub 2012 December 01.

Characterization of cuticular hydrocarbons of diploid and haploid males, workers and queens of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata

Males, queens and workers of stingless bees show differences in external morphology, behaviour and roles within a colony. In addition, each individual has a cuticular chemical signature responsible for mutual communication that is essential for maintaining the integrity of the colony. In this paper we characterize the cuticular hydrocarbon composition of newly emerged diploid and haploid males, workers and virgin queens of Melipona quadrifasciata by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. This is the first time that the cuticular profile of diploid males in a species of stingless bee has been characterized. We found differences in the cuticular hydrocarbon composition among males, workers and virgin queens, recording both qualitative and quantitative differences among individuals of different phenotypes. However, no compound was found exclusively in diploid males. The cuticular chemical profiles of haploid and diploid males were very similar to those of workers. Moreover, the cuticular lipids of males and workers were significantly different from those of queens. Tricosane, pentacosene-2 and 7-methyl-heptacosane were the compounds responsible for this significant separation. This result correlates with the behavioural and morphological differences among these phenotypes.