Physicochemical and bioactive properties of Apis and stingless bee (Meliponini) honey from Brazilian Caatinga

Since the composition of honey varies with the species of bee as well as flowering and geographical aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties of Apisand stingless bees'honey from the Brazilian Caatinga. Samples of different species of Apis mellifera L.Meliponini (Melipona subnitida, Frieseomellita varia, Melipona mandacaia, Plebeia sp.) and Apis mellifera L.werecollected from honey producersin the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Honey from A. mellifera and stingless bees showed physicochemical differences in some parameters, especially in moisture, free acidity, HMF, water activity, sugars and electric conductivity. There were no differences in color between honeys from A. mellifera and stingless bees. Honeys fromPlebeia sp., F. varia and A. mellifera showed higher antioxidant capacity followed by honeys fromM. mandacaia and M. subnitida. Flavonoids had little influence on the differentiation of antioxidant activities of stingless bees, while the opposite occurred with the phenolic content, where honeys with the highest levels of phenolic also showed higher antioxidant capacity.(AU)

Harmful Effects of Pyraclostrobin on the Fat Body and Pericardial Cells of Foragers of Africanized Honey Bee.

Managed honey bees are daily exposed in agricultural settings or wild environments to multiple stressors. Currently, fungicide residues are increasingly present in bees' pollen and nectar and can harm colonies' production and survival. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the effects of the fungicide pyraclostrobin on the fat body and pericardial cells of Africanized honey bees. The foragers were divided into three experimental treatment groups and two controls: pyraclostrobin 0.125 ng/µL (FG1), 0.025 ng/µL (FG2), 0.005 ng/µL (FG3), untreated control (CTL), and acetone control (CAC). After five days of oral exposure (ad libitum), the bees were dissected and prepared for histopathological and morphometric analysis. The FG1-treated bees showed extensive cytoarchitecture changes in the fat body and pericardial cells, inducing cell death. Bees from the FG2 group showed disarranged oenocytes, peripheral vacuolization, and pyknotic nuclei of pericardial cells, but the cytoarchitecture was not compromised as observed in FG1. Additionally, immune system cells were observed through the fat body in the FG1 group. Bees exposed to FG3 demonstrated only oenocytes vacuolization. A significant decrease in the oenocyte's surface area for bees exposed to all pyraclostrobin concentrations was observed compared to the CTL and CAC groups. The bees from the FG1 and FG2 treatment groups presented a reduced surface area of pericardial cells compared to the controls and the FG3 group. This study highlighted the harmful effects of fungicide pyraclostrobin concentrations at the individual bee cellular level, potentially harming the colony level on continuous exposure.

Differences in olfactory sensitivity and odor detection correlate with foraging task specialization in honeybees Apis mellifera.

Division of labor is central to the ecological success of social insects. Among honeybees foragers, specialization for collecting nectar or pollen correlates with their sensitivity to gustatory stimuli (e.g. sugars). We hypothesize that pollen and nectar foragers also differ in their sensitivity to odors, and therefore in their likelihood to show odor-mediated responses. To assess foragers sensitivity to natural odors, we quantified the conditioning of the proboscis extension reflex (PER) to increasing concentrations (0.001; 0.01; 0.1; 1 M) of linalool or nonanal. Furthermore, we compared electroantennogram (EAG) recordings to correlate bees' conditioned responses with the electrophysiological responses of their antennae. To further explore differences of the antennal response of foragers in relation to task-related odors, we registered EAG signals for two behaviorally ''meaningful'' odors that mediate pollen collection: fresh pollen odors and the brood pheromone (E)-ß-ocimene. Pollen foragers performed better than nectar foragers in PER conditioning trials when linalool and nonanal were presented at low concentrations (0.001, 0.01 M). Consistently, their antennae showed stronger EAG signals (higher amplitudes) to these odors, suggesting that differences in sensitivity can be explained at the periphery of the olfactory system. Pollen and nectar foragers detect pollen odors differently, but not (E)-ß-ocimene. Pollen volatiles evoked EAG signals with hyper and depolarization components. In pollen foragers, the contribution of the hyperpolarization component was higher than in nectar foragers. We discuss our findings in terms of adaptive advantages to learn subtle olfactory cues that influence the ability to better identify/discriminate food sources.

Survey on the types of nesting of Africanized honeybees in urban areas of semiarid regions and rationalization of swarm capture for the benefit of the community / Levantamento sobre os tipos de nidificação de abelhas africanizadas em áreas urbanas do semiárido e racionalização da captura de enxames em prol da comunidade

Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are abundant and widely adaptable insects that spread rapidly in tropical environments. However, their strong defensive instinct can lead to attacks on humans and animals, causing disturbances in cities. This study aimed to evaluate the nesting characteristics of Africanized honeybees in Mossoró, RN, to generate relevant information for the control of the population of these insects and prevent accidents in urban areas in the Brazilian Semiarid. This survey was conducted from April 2015 to March 2018. The following information on swarms was collected from 487 recorded occurrences: date of survey, structure of the bee site, occurrence of nesting, population size, defensiveness of the bees, and presence of queen and drones. Although the swarms reproduced throughout the year, the breeding of queens and drones increased in the rainy season (January-June). Peak swarming occurred in April-September, when there is greater availability of flowers in the region and the average ambient temperature is mild. The swarms adopted a generalist approach when choosing their nesting site, occupying structures such as tires, tree trunks, buckets, sewage, and cardboard boxes. Most swarms were found in open sites (exposed swarms). The Africanized honeybees were more selective when looking for a nest construction site than when looking for a temporary site for landing and resting. The swarms were generally small (up to 20,000 bees) and not very defensive, which facilitated their rescue in populous urban areas.(AU)

As abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) são insetos prolíferos, apresentam enorme capacidade adaptativa e possuem rápida propagação em condições tropicais, no entanto, devido ao seu forte instinto defensivo, podem causar transtornos nas cidades pelo risco de ataques contra pessoas e animais. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo, avaliar características das nidificações das abelhas africanizadas em Mossoró-RN, podendo gerar informações relevantes para dar suporte a ações de controle populacional destes insetos e de prevenção à acidentes em áreas urbanas, de cidades no Semiárido Brasileiro. Esta pesquisa foi realizada durante o período de abril de 2015 a março de 2018.A partir de 487 ocorrências registradas, diversas informações foram coletadas sobre os enxames: data, estrutura do local onde as abelhas estavam alojadas, ocorrência de nidificação, tamanho populacional do enxame, defensivida de das abelhas e presença de rainha e zangões. Os enxames investiram em reprodução durante o ano inteiro, contudo, a criação de rainhas e de zangões foi intensificada na estação chuvosa (jan-jun), enquanto o pico de enxameação ocorreu somente entre abril e setembro, época em que há maior disponibilidade de flores na região e quando a média de temperatura ambiental está amena. Os enxames foram generalistas quanto ao local de nidificação, pois ocuparam estruturas diversificadas como pneus, troncos de árvore, baldes, caixas de esgoto e de papelão, entre muitos outros. A maioria dos enxames foram encontrados em locais abertos (enxame exposto). As abelhas africanizadas apresentam maior grau de exigência quando procuram sítio para construção do ninho, ao invés de local provisório apenas para pouso e descanso. Os enxames foram geralmente pequenos (até 20 mil abelhas) e pouco defensivos, fato que facilitou o resgate de abelhas em áreas urbanas populosas.(AU)

Survey on the types of nesting of Africanized honeybees in urban areas of semiarid regions and rationalization of swarm capture for the benefit of the community / Levantamento sobre os tipos de nidificação de abelhas africanizadas em áreas urbanas do semiárido e racionalização da captura de enxames em prol da comunidade

Africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) are abundant and widely adaptable insects that spread rapidly in tropical environments. However, their strong defensive instinct can lead to attacks on humans and animals, causing disturbances in cities. This study aimed to evaluate the nesting characteristics of Africanized honeybees in Mossoró, RN, to generate relevant information for the control of the population of these insects and prevent accidents in urban areas in the Brazilian Semiarid. This survey was conducted from April 2015 to March 2018. The following information on swarms was collected from 487 recorded occurrences: date of survey, structure of the bee site, occurrence of nesting, population size, defensiveness of the bees, and presence of queen and drones. Although the swarms reproduced throughout the year, the breeding of queens and drones increased in the rainy season (January-June). Peak swarming occurred in April-September, when there is greater availability of flowers in the region and the average ambient temperature is mild. The swarms adopted a generalist approach when choosing their nesting site, occupying structures such as tires, tree trunks, buckets, sewage, and cardboard boxes. Most swarms were found in open sites (exposed swarms). The Africanized honeybees were more selective when looking for a nest construction site than when looking for a temporary site for landing and resting. The swarms were generally small (up to 20,000 bees) and not very defensive, which facilitated their rescue in populous urban areas.

As abelhas africanizadas (Apis mellifera L.) são insetos prolíferos, apresentam enorme capacidade adaptativa e possuem rápida propagação em condições tropicais, no entanto, devido ao seu forte instinto defensivo, podem causar transtornos nas cidades pelo risco de ataques contra pessoas e animais. Diante disso, este trabalho teve como objetivo, avaliar características das nidificações das abelhas africanizadas em Mossoró-RN, podendo gerar informações relevantes para dar suporte a ações de controle populacional destes insetos e de prevenção à acidentes em áreas urbanas, de cidades no Semiárido Brasileiro. Esta pesquisa foi realizada durante o período de abril de 2015 a março de 2018.A partir de 487 ocorrências registradas, diversas informações foram coletadas sobre os enxames: data, estrutura do local onde as abelhas estavam alojadas, ocorrência de nidificação, tamanho populacional do enxame, defensivida de das abelhas e presença de rainha e zangões. Os enxames investiram em reprodução durante o ano inteiro, contudo, a criação de rainhas e de zangões foi intensificada na estação chuvosa (jan-jun), enquanto o pico de enxameação ocorreu somente entre abril e setembro, época em que há maior disponibilidade de flores na região e quando a média de temperatura ambiental está amena. Os enxames foram generalistas quanto ao local de nidificação, pois ocuparam estruturas diversificadas como pneus, troncos de árvore, baldes, caixas de esgoto e de papelão, entre muitos outros. A maioria dos enxames foram encontrados em locais abertos (enxame exposto). As abelhas africanizadas apresentam maior grau de exigência quando procuram sítio para construção do ninho, ao invés de local provisório apenas para pouso e descanso. Os enxames foram geralmente pequenos (até 20 mil abelhas) e pouco defensivos, fato que facilitou o resgate de abelhas em áreas urbanas populosas.

Processamento e caracterização físico-química de refresco de amora-preta adoçado com mel / Physical-chemical processing and characterization of blackberry refreshment sweetened with honey

Objetivou-se com a presente pesquisa elaborar e caracterizar a composição físico-química de refresco de amora-preta adoçado com mel. Para a elaboração dos refrescos foram utilizados polpa de amora-preta extraída de frutos in natura e mel de abelha Apis Mellifera L., sendo processados em liquidificador industrial e acondicionados em garrafas plásticas de polietileno sob refrigeração. Os refrescos, a polpa e o mel utilizados foram submetidos às análises físico-químicas de acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais, pH, Ratio, atividade de água, cinzas e umidade. Constatou-se que a polpa e mel utilizados na elaboração das bebidas encontravam-se conforme a legislação e foi possível elaborar refrescos de amora-preta com adição de mel, agregando valor as matérias-primas.(AU)

Processamento e caracterização físico-química de refresco de amora-preta adoçado com mel / Physical-chemical processing and characterization of blackberry refreshment sweetened with honey

Objetivou-se com a presente pesquisa elaborar e caracterizar a composição físico-química de refresco de amora-preta adoçado com mel. Para a elaboração dos refrescos foram utilizados polpa de amora-preta extraída de frutos in natura e mel de abelha Apis Mellifera L., sendo processados em liquidificador industrial e acondicionados em garrafas plásticas de polietileno sob refrigeração. Os refrescos, a polpa e o mel utilizados foram submetidos às análises físico-químicas de acidez total titulável, sólidos solúveis totais, pH, Ratio, atividade de água, cinzas e umidade. Constatou-se que a polpa e mel utilizados na elaboração das bebidas encontravam-se conforme a legislação e foi possível elaborar refrescos de amora-preta com adição de mel, agregando valor as matérias-primas.

Caracterização físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. provenientes da microrregião de Pau dos Ferros, RN / Physico-chemical characterization of Apis mellifera L. honey from microregion of Pau dos Ferros, RN

Objetivou-se determinar as características físico-químicas de qualidade em amostras de méis de Apis mellifera L. provenientesda microrregião de Pau dos Ferros, RN, verificando a qualidade dos méis ofertados aos consumidores. Os parâmetros analisadosforam: umidade; cinzas; sólidos solúveis totais; acidez livre; pH; cor e testes qualitativos de atividade diastásica e pesquisa decorantes. Todas as análises foram realizadas em triplicata e o tratamento estatístico foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados,quando aplicável. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e a comparação de médias foi feita pelo teste deTukey a 5% de probabilidade. Considerando-se os parâmetros analisados, os méis apresentaram-se em conformidade com ospadrões de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira para comercialização no âmbito de mercado brasileiro. Variaçõesfísicas ou químicas detectadas entre as amostras evidenciam heterogeneidade do mel da microrregião, o que pode estar relacionadocom o processo de extração ou processamento desse produto apícola, ou ainda com fatores como os tipos de solo, o clima e ostipos de néctar existentes na microrregião.(AU)

The objective was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of quality in Apis mellifera L. honey samples from the microregionof Pau dos Ferros, RN, checking the quality of honey offered to consumers. The parameters analyzed were: moisture; ashes;total soluble solids; free acidity; pH; color and qualitative tests of diastase activity and research dye. All analyzes were performedin triplicate and statistical analysis was set in completely randomized block, when applicable. Data were subjected to analysis ofvariance (ANOVA) and the comparison of means was done by Tukey test at 5% probability. Considering the parameters analyzed,the honeys were in accordance with the quality standards established by brazilian legislation for marketing under Brazilian market.Physical or chemical changes detected in the samples show heterogeneity of the honey from microregion, which may be related tothe extraction or processing of this bee product, or with factors such as soil types, climate and the types of nectar in the microregion.(AU)

Caracterização físico-química de méis de Apis mellifera L. provenientes da microrregião de Pau dos Ferros, RN* P / Physico-chemical characterization of Apis mellifera L. honey from microregion of Pau dos Ferros, RN

Objetivou-se determinar as características físico-químicas de qualidade em amostras de méis de Apis mellifera L. provenientes da microrregião de Pau dos Ferros, RN, verificando a qualidade dos méis ofertados aos consumidores. Os parâmetros analisados foram: umidade; cinzas; sólidos solúveis totais; acidez livre; pH; cor e testes qualitativos de atividade diastásica e pesquisa de corantes. Todas as análises foram realizadas em triplicata e o tratamento estatístico foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados, quando aplicável. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância (ANOVA) e a comparação de médias foi feita pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de probabilidade. Considerando-se os parâmetros analisados, os méis apresentaram-se em conformidade com os padrões de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação brasileira para comercialização no âmbito de mercado brasileiro. Variações físicas ou químicas detectadas entre as amostras evidenciam heterogeneidade do mel da microrregião, o que pode estar relacionado com o processo de extração ou processamento desse produto apícola, ou ainda com fatores como os tipos de solo, o clima e os tipos de néctar existentes na microrregião.

The objective was to determine the physicochemical characteristics of quality in Apis mellifera L. honey samples from the microregion of Pau dos Ferros, RN, checking the quality of honey offered to consumers. The parameters analyzed were: moisture; ashes; total soluble solids; free acidity; pH; color and qualitative tests of diastase activity and research dye. All analyzes were performed in triplicate and statistical analysis was set in completely randomized block, when applicable. Data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the comparison of means was done by Tukey test at 5% probability. Considering the parameters analyzed, the honeys were in accordance with the quality standards established by brazilian legislation for marketing under Brazilian market. Physical or chemical changes detected in the samples show heterogeneity of the honey from microregion, which may be related to the extraction or processing of this bee product, or with factors such as soil types, climate and the types of nectar in the microregion.

Correlação entre o teor de umidade e o desenvolvimento de bolores e leveduras em méis de Apis mellifera L / Correlation between moisture content and the development of fungi and yeasts in honeys from Apis mellifera L

Apesar do mel de Apis mellifera L. apresentar naturalmente substâncias antifúngicas, não está livre de contaminação, podendo ocorrer desenvolvimento de micro-organismos. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a provável correlação existente entre o teor de umidade e o crescimento de bolores e leveduras em amostras de méis de A. mellifera L. Das dezenove amostras de méis analisadas, três apresentaram mais de 20% de umidade, que é o padrão .estabelecido pela legislação brasileira. Quanto à pesquisa de bolores e leveduras, observou-se que 42,11 % dos méis apresentaram mais de 1,0 log UFC/g, com valores que variaram entre <1,0 a 2,25 log UFC/g. Todas as amostras que apresentaram teor de umidade superior a 20%, também apresentaram contagens de bolores e leveduras superiores a 1,0 log UFC/g. Os resultados das contagens de bolores e leveduras nos méis com umidade abaixo de 20% pode estar relacionado à possível ausência de Boas Práticas de Fabricação (BPF) durante o beneficiamento desse produto apícola ou pode ser decorrente da microbiota natural do mel, onde a fermentação do produto seria em função da contagem desses micro-organismos. De acordo com os resultados, conclui-se que há uma correlação entre o teor de umidade e o desenvolvimento microbiano em méis de A me llifera, onde todas as amostras que obtiveram umidade superior ao permitido' pela legislação vigente apresentaram também crescimento de bolores e leveduras superiores a 1,0 log UFC/g. (AU)

Despite of the honey of Apis mellifera L. submit naturally antifungal substances, is not free of contamination, can occur microorganisms development. In this context, the aim of this study was to analyze the likely correlation between the moisture content and the growth of molds and yeasts in honey samples of A. mellifera L. Of the nineteen samples of honey analyzed, three showed more than 20% moisture, which is the standard established by Brazilian legislation. For analysis of yeasts and molds, it was observed that 42.11 % of the honeys presented more than 1.0 log UFC/g, with values ranging from <1.0 to 2.2510g UFC/g. All samples with moisture content above 20% also presented counts of yeast and mold above 1.0 log UFC/g. The results of the counts of yeasts and molds in honeys with humidity below 20% may be related to the possible absence of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during the beneficiament of the honey, or can be caused by the natural microflora of honey, where the fermentation of product would be according to the counting of these microorganisms. According to the results, it is concluded that there is a correlation between moisture content and microbial growth in the A. mellifera honeys, where all samples had moisture content higher than permitted by current legislation also showed growth of yeasts and molds exceeding 1.0 log UFC/g. (AU)

Analysis of moisture content, acidity and contamination by yeast and molds in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil

The development of mold of environmental origin in honey affects its quality and leads to its deterioration, so yeasts and molds counts have been used as an important indicator of hygiene levels during its processing, transportation and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of yeasts and molds contamination and their correlation with moisture and acidity levels in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil. In 20% of the samples, the yeasts and molds counts exceeded the limit established by legislation for the marketing of honey in the MERCOSUR, while 42.8% and 5.7% presented above-standard acidity and moisture levels, respectively. Although samples showed yeasts and molds counts over 1.0 x 10² UFC.g-1, there was no correlation between moisture content and the number of microorganisms, since, in part of the samples with above-standard counts, the moisture level was below 20%. In some samples the acidity level was higher than that established by legislation, but only one sample presented a yeasts and molds count above the limit established by MERCOSUR, which would suggest the influence of the floral source on this parameter. In general, of the 35 samples analyzed, the quality was considered inadequate in 45.7% of cases.(AU)

Analysis of moisture content, acidity and contamination by yeast and molds in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil

The development of mold of environmental origin in honey affects its quality and leads to its deterioration, so yeasts and molds counts have been used as an important indicator of hygiene levels during its processing, transportation and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of yeasts and molds contamination and their correlation with moisture and acidity levels in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil. In 20% of the samples, the yeasts and molds counts exceeded the limit established by legislation for the marketing of honey in the MERCOSUR, while 42.8% and 5.7% presented above-standard acidity and moisture levels, respectively. Although samples showed yeasts and molds counts over 1.0 x 10² UFC.g-1, there was no correlation between moisture content and the number of microorganisms, since, in part of the samples with above-standard counts, the moisture level was below 20%. In some samples the acidity level was higher than that established by legislation, but only one sample presented a yeasts and molds count above the limit established by MERCOSUR, which would suggest the influence of the floral source on this parameter. In general, of the 35 samples analyzed, the quality was considered inadequate in 45.7% of cases.

Analysis of moisture content, acidity and contamination by yeast and molds in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil.

The development of mold of environmental origin in honey affects its quality and leads to its deterioration, so yeasts and molds counts have been used as an important indicator of hygiene levels during its processing, transportation and storage. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of yeasts and molds contamination and their correlation with moisture and acidity levels in Apis mellifera L. honey from central Brazil. In 20% of the samples, the yeasts and molds counts exceeded the limit established by legislation for the marketing of honey in the MERCOSUR, while 42.8% and 5.7% presented above-standard acidity and moisture levels, respectively. Although samples showed yeasts and molds counts over 1.0 × 10(2) UFC.g(-1), there was no correlation between moisture content and the number of microorganisms, since, in part of the samples with above-standard counts, the moisture level was below 20%. In some samples the acidity level was higher than that established by legislation, but only one sample presented a yeasts and molds count above the limit established by MERCOSUR, which would suggest the influence of the floral source on this parameter. In general, of the 35 samples analyzed, the quality was considered inadequate in 45.7% of cases.

Physicochemical quality control of bee honeysfrom Campos Gerais region of Paraná: Brazil

Bee (Apis mellifera L.) honeys have been widely used for therapeutic and nutritional proposes. For evaluating the honey production, physicochemical approaches have been extensively performed to ensure that this hive product is authentic in respect to the legal requirements. The aim of this paper was to discuss the quality control of 93 samples of honey from Campos Gerais region of Paraná State – South Brazil by physicochemical parameters. Moisture, reducing sugars, sucrose, water-insoluble solids, ash, free acidity, pH, activity of diastase, hydroxymethylfurfural content and colour were performed by the standard usual methods. Samples were also classified in floral honeys or honeydew honeys according to the Kirkwood equation. A total of 71 samples (76.34%) showed values in accordance with the Brazilian legal requirements for all the achieved physicochemical parameters. Otherwise, all the studied honeys were likewise within the legislation limits only for water-insoluble solids and colour. For pH, an additional parameter that has not been provided in honey legislation, samples showed values ranging from 3.60 to 5.35. By the Kirkwood equation, 61 honeys were considered as floral products.

Characteristics physicist-chemistries of honeys produced in combs different of the age / Características físico-químicas de méis produzidos em favos de diferentes idades

Honey color is a characteristic related to the flower source and plays a major role on consumers buying preference. When finished, honey is placed in wax honeycombs that are composed mainly by hydrocarbons, esters and a small percentage of fatty acids and alcohols that give to wax the plasticity and ability to absorb several kinds of elements. The consecutive comb reutilization might transfer pigments to honey that, in turn, can alter honey final characteristics. In the present study the objective was to evaluate the influence of comb reutilization on honey physico-chemical and color characteristics. The experiment was carried out using randomized blocks with four treatments and six repetitions. Each hive was considered a block. The treatments consisted of boxes with sheet of alveolated wax and honeycomb with one, two or three years of usage, totaling 24 boxes. Honey samples were analyzed by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and the physico-chemical properties were analyzed by laboratory standard tests. The diffuse reflectance, total sugar, pH, acidity and ash did not varied significantly among treatments (p > 0.05). Honey color produced in honeycomb with different years of use was similar amongst treatment; however, the honey produced in sheets of alveolated wax had clearer color and less sugar content.

A cor do mel é uma característica relacionada à fonte floral e que mais interfere na preferência de compra do consumidor. Ao ser elaborado, o mel é depositado em favos de cera, a qual é composta de hidrocarbonetos, ésteres e uma pequena percentagem de ácidos graxos e alcoóis, que propiciam a cera a plasticidade e a capacidade de absorver diversos elementos. A reutilização consecutiva de favos pode transferir pigmentos ao mel, alterando as características do produto final. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da reutilização de favos da melgueira sobre a coloração e as variáveis físico-químicas do mel. O experimento foi conduzido utilizando-se um delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Cada colméia foi considerada como um bloco. Os tratamentos constaram de caixilhos com lâminas de cera alveolada e favos com um, dois e três anos de uso, totalizando 24 caixilhos. Os méis foram avaliados através de espectrofotometria de reflectância difusa e as variáveis físico-químicas em laboratório por meio de procedimentos padrões. A reflectância difusa assim como o açúcar total, pH, acidez e cinzas não apresentaram diferenças entre os tratamentos (p > 0.05). A coloração do mel produzido em favos de diferentes anos de uso não sofreu alteração, porém o mel produzido em favos com lâminas de cera apresentou cor mais clara e menor conteúdo de açúcar total.

Characteristics physicist-chemistries of honeys produced in combs different of the age / Características físico-químicas de méis produzidos em favos de diferentes idades

Honey color is a characteristic related to the flower source and plays a major role on consumers buying preference. When finished, honey is placed in wax honeycombs that are composed mainly by hydrocarbons, esters and a small percentage of fatty acids and alcohols that give to wax the plasticity and ability to absorb several kinds of elements. The consecutive comb reutilization might transfer pigments to honey that, in turn, can alter honey final characteristics. In the present study the objective was to evaluate the influence of comb reutilization on honey physico-chemical and color characteristics. The experiment was carried out using randomized blocks with four treatments and six repetitions. Each hive was considered a block. The treatments consisted of boxes with sheet of alveolated wax and honeycomb with one, two or three years of usage, totaling 24 boxes. Honey samples were analyzed by diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry and the physico-chemical properties were analyzed by laboratory standard tests. The diffuse reflectance, total sugar, pH, acidity and ash did not varied significantly among treatments (p > 0.05). Honey color produced in honeycomb with different years of use was similar amongst treatment; however, the honey produced in sheets of alveolated wax had clearer color and less sugar content.

A cor do mel é uma característica relacionada à fonte floral e que mais interfere na preferência de compra do consumidor. Ao ser elaborado, o mel é depositado em favos de cera, a qual é composta de hidrocarbonetos, ésteres e uma pequena percentagem de ácidos graxos e alcoóis, que propiciam a cera a plasticidade e a capacidade de absorver diversos elementos. A reutilização consecutiva de favos pode transferir pigmentos ao mel, alterando as características do produto final. O presente estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a influência da reutilização de favos da melgueira sobre a coloração e as variáveis físico-químicas do mel. O experimento foi conduzido utilizando-se um delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Cada colméia foi considerada como um bloco. Os tratamentos constaram de caixilhos com lâminas de cera alveolada e favos com um, dois e três anos de uso, totalizando 24 caixilhos. Os méis foram avaliados através de espectrofotometria de reflectância difusa e as variáveis físico-químicas em laboratório por meio de procedimentos padrões. A reflectância difusa assim como o açúcar total, pH, acidez e cinzas não apresentaram diferenças entre os tratamentos (p > 0.05). A coloração do mel produzido em favos de diferentes anos de uso não sofreu alteração, porém o mel produzido em favos com lâminas de cera apresentou cor mais clara e menor conteúd

Tipos polínicos encontrados em amostras de méis de Apis mellifera em Picos, Estado do Piauí / Pollinic types found in honey samples of Apis mellifera from Picos, State of Piaui

Com o objetivo de determinar os tipos polínicos de méis produzidos por Apis mellifera L., 1758, no município de Picos, Estado do Piauí, foram realizadas análises polínicas de 35 amostras de méis coletadas entre novembro e dezembro de 2001 no Laboratório de Apicultura do Departamento de Entomologia, Fitopatologia e Zoologia Agrícola da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo. A identificação dos tipos polínicos foi realizada por meio de descrições obtidas em literatura especializada. Os resultados demonstraram que foram encontrados 36 tipos polínicos, distribuídos em 18 famílias botânicas, sendo consideradas como pólen dominante Piptadenia sp. (Mimosaceae), Mimosa caesalpiniiaefolia Benth. (Mimosaceae), M. verrucosa Benth. (Mimosaceae) e Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).(AU)

This research deals with the pollinic types of honeys produced by Apis mellifera L., 1758 in the municipality of Picos, State of Piaui were determined in the Laboratory of Apiculture, Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Agricultural Zoology, College of Agriculture 'Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, pollinic analysis of 36 honey samples collected in November and December of 2001. The identification of e pthollinic made by types was specialized literature. The results showed that 36 types of pollen were found, distributed in 18 botanical families, and the following plant species were considered as dominant Piptadenia sp. (Mimosaceae), Mimosa caesalpiniiaefolia Benth. (Mimosaceae), M. verrucosa Benth. (Mimosaceae) and Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).(AU)

Tipos polínicos encontrados em amostras de méis de Apis mellifera em Picos, Estado do Piauí / Pollinic types found in honey samples of Apis mellifera from Picos, State of Piaui

Com o objetivo de determinar os tipos polínicos de méis produzidos por Apis mellifera L., 1758, no município de Picos, Estado do Piauí, foram realizadas análises polínicas de 35 amostras de méis coletadas entre novembro e dezembro de 2001 no Laboratório de Apicultura do Departamento de Entomologia, Fitopatologia e Zoologia Agrícola da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", Universidade de São Paulo. A identificação dos tipos polínicos foi realizada por meio de descrições obtidas em literatura especializada. Os resultados demonstraram que foram encontrados 36 tipos polínicos, distribuídos em 18 famílias botânicas, sendo consideradas como pólen dominante Piptadenia sp. (Mimosaceae), Mimosa caesalpiniiaefolia Benth. (Mimosaceae), M. verrucosa Benth. (Mimosaceae) e Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).

This research deals with the pollinic types of honeys produced by Apis mellifera L., 1758 in the municipality of Picos, State of Piaui were determined in the Laboratory of Apiculture, Department of Entomology, Phytopathology and Agricultural Zoology, College of Agriculture ‘Luiz de Queiroz', University of São Paulo, in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, pollinic analysis of 36 honey samples collected in November and December of 2001. The identification of e pthollinic made by types was specialized literature. The results showed that 36 types of pollen were found, distributed in 18 botanical families, and the following plant species were considered as dominant Piptadenia sp. (Mimosaceae), Mimosa caesalpiniiaefolia Benth. (Mimosaceae), M. verrucosa Benth. (Mimosaceae) and Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae).

Estudio comparativo de tres pruebas para evaluar el comportamiento higiénico en colonias de abejas (Apis mellifera L.) / Comparative study of three assays to evaluate hygienic behavior in honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) colonies

The discriminatory capacity, cost and practicality of three assays to measure hygienic behavior in 60 honey bee colonies were compared in a first experiment. Capped worker brood of these colonies were killed with an insect pin (P), frozen in a freezer at -18°C (CC) and with liquid nitrogen at -195°C (CN2). The percentage of brood removed by the bees was recorded 24 h after being killed. Since the P assay showed a low discriminatory capacity, an additional experiment with 50 colonies was performed, reducing the evaluation time to 8 h and verifying the influence of body fluids and odors released by the pin-killed brood. Colonies were significantly more hygienic (P < 0.01) with the P assay (88%) than with the CC (69%) and CN2 (65%) assays. There were significant correlations among assays (r > 0.54, P < 0.01) and between replicates within assays (r > 0.37, P < 0.01). Variation among colonies was greater with the CN2 and CC assays than with the P assay. The P assay was the least expensive and easiest to apply (6.59 pesos, 0.58 dollars per colony), but showed the lowest discriminatory capacity, that could not be enhanced even though the time of evaluation was reduced. This could have been caused by the strong stimulus from odors and haemolymph released from the pinkilled brood. The CN2 and the CC assays showed a high discriminatory capacity, but the former was more expensive (14.80 pesos, 1.31 dollars) and the least practical. The CC assay was the second least expensive (10.15 pesos, 0.90 dollars) and practical. The application of either freeze assays is recommended for screening hygienic behavior in honey bees because of their reliability.

Se comparó la capacidad discriminatoria, costo y facilidad de aplicación de tres pruebas para medir el comportamiento higiénico en 60 colonias de abejas melíferas en un primer experimento. Las crías operculadas de estas colonias fueron sacrificadas al puncionarlas con un alfiler entomológico (P), y congelarlas en congelador a -18°C (CC) con nitrógeno líquido a -195° C (CN2). Se determinó el porcentaje de crías removidas por las abejas 24 h después de que fueron sacrificadas. Como consecuencia de la poca discriminación entre colonias inicialmente encontrada con la prueba P, se realizó un experimento adicional con 50 colonias, reduciendo el tiempo de lectura a 8 h y se verificó el efecto producido por la emanación de olores y fluidos de las crías sacrificadas. Las colonias fueron significativamente más higiénicas (P < 0.01) con la prueba P (88%), en comparación con la de CC (69%) y CN2 (65%). Se encontraron correlaciones significativas entre pruebas (r > 0.54, P < 0.01) y entre repeticiones dentro de pruebas (r > 0.37, P < 0.01). La variación entre colonias fue mayor con las pruebas CN2 y CC que con la P. La prueba P fue la más económica y práctica de aplicar (6.59 pesos, 0.58 dólares, por colonia), pero mostró menor capacidad discriminatoria, que no se incrementó aun cuando se redujo el tiempo de lectura. Este resultado pudo deberse al fuerte estímulo provocado por olores y hemolinfa emanados de las crías sacrificadas. Las pruebas CN2 y CC mostraron alta capacidad discriminatoria, pero la primera fue más cara (14.80 pesos, 1.31 dólares) y la menos práctica. La prueba CC fue la segunda más económica (10.15 pesos, 0.90 dólares) y práctica. Se recomienda aplicar cualquiera de las pruebas de congelación para medir el comportamiento higiénico de colonias de abejas melíferas por su confiabilidad.

Protein eletropherogram of hypopharyngeal glands of Apis mellifera L. bees submitted to royal jelly production / Eletroferograma de proteínas de glândulas hipofaringeanas de abelhas Apis mellifera L. submetidas à produção de geléia real

The objective of this research was study the protein electropherogram of hypopharyngeal glands and the royal jelly through eletrophorese in polyacrylamide gel of Apis mellifera L. The samples of hypopharyngeal glands were obtained from 18 beehives of africanized bees and its hybrids, italian and carniolas, submitted to royal jelly production, with or without access to 20% pollen protein. The treatments were: recently emerged, 6, 12, 18 and 24 days-old, with six replication. After the extraction, the glands were conserved in a diluted Ringer solution. The protein dosages were determined in spectrofotometer by the biurete biochemical method. The protein content of each sample was estimated by the absorbance at 540 nm. The PhastSystem and 8-25% gradient mini polyacrylamide gels were used to SDS-PAGE electrophoresis analysis. 500 ng protein sample were loaded in each well and after electrophoresis, the gels were stained with silver according to the manufacturer. In recently emerged adult bees, the electrophoretic pattern of hypopharyngeal glands was characterized by proteins of low, medium and high molecular weight, distributed in 18 bands. As the age progresses, proteins with molecular weight ranging from 67 to 76 Kd, started to prevail. Showing identical patterny to the royal jelly. Differences between treatments were observed at 5% of probability.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar o eletroferograma de proteínas de glândulas hipofaringeanas e da geléia real através de eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida em abelhas Apis mellifera L. As amostras de glândulas hipofaringeanas foram obtidas de abelhas adultas de 18 colônias de abelhas africanizadas e suas híbridas, italianas e cárnicas, submetidas à produção de geléia real. Os tratamentos foram abelhas das seguintes idades: recém emergida, 6, 12, 18 e 24 dias, com seis repetições. Após a extração, as glândulas foram conservadas em uma solução de Ringer diluído. A dosagem de proteínas foi determinada em espectrofotômetro pelo método bioquímico de biureto. A absorbância foi medida em 540nm e após, calculada a quantidade de proteína de cada amostra. No fracionamento eletroforético das proteínas, foram empregados o PhastSystem e mini géis de poliacrilamida em gradiente 8-25% na técnica de SDS-PAGE. Foram aplicados 500 ng de proteína em cada ponto de aplicação. Após a corrida, os géis foram corados com prata, de acordo com as especificações do fabricante. Nas abelhas adultas recém emergidas, o padrão eletroforético das glândulas hipofaringeanas distribuiu-se em proteínas com baixo, médio e alto peso molecular, apresentando 18 bandas. Com o avanço na idade, as proteínas com peso molecular em torno de 67 - 76 Kd, passaram a predominar, sendo estes padrões, idênticos aos d