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Pollen analysis of honey and pollen stored by Melipona (Melikerria) fasciculata Smith, 1854 (Apidae Meliponini), in an Amazon and Cerrado transition area, Maranhão, Brazil

  • 0Universidade Estadual do Maranhão - UEMA, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Conservação da Biodiversidade - PPGECB, São Luís, MA, Brasil.
Brazilian Journal of Biology = Revista Brasleira De Biologia +

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June 26, 2024

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June 26, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study identified 40 pollen types from Melipona fasciculata bees in Maranhão, Brazil. The research highlights a preference for Fabaceae and Myrtaceae, crucial for bee conservation and honey production.

Area Of Science

  • Apiology and Botany
  • Ecology and Conservation Biology
  • Sustainable Agriculture

Background

  • Meliponiculture, or stingless beekeeping, relies on understanding bee-plant interactions.
  • Identifying floral resources is vital for stingless bee (Melipona fasciculata) management and conservation.
  • Local honey production is economically important and linked to biodiversity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To investigate the pollen sources utilized by Melipona fasciculata in Arari, Maranhão.
  • To analyze pollen composition in both honey and pollen stores.
  • To identify key botanical families supporting this bee species.

Main Methods

  • Pollen analysis of honey and pollen pots from Melipona fasciculata.
  • Sampling conducted over a 12-month period (August 2022 - July 2023).
  • Identification of pollen types and quantification of botanical family contributions.

Main Results

  • 40 pollen types from 18 botanical families were identified.
  • Fabaceae (46.15% pollen pots, 37.86% honey pots) and Myrtaceae (11.53% pollen, 13.51% honey) were dominant.
  • Distinct seasonal groupings of pollen sources were observed in both pollen and honey pots.

Conclusions

  • Melipona fasciculata utilizes a diverse range of floral resources, with a strong preference for Fabaceae and Myrtaceae.
  • Understanding meliponicultural flora is essential for effective bee conservation and sustainable honey production.
  • Findings support the development of pollinator management and reforestation programs.