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Published on: October 9, 2017
Fungal diversity in larval diets of Melipona interrupta: Impacts on queen development and survival
Luana Evillyn Vinente de Queiroz1, Flavia da Silva Fernandes2, Gabriel Garcês Santos1,3
1Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia (INPA), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Conservação e Biologia Evolutiva (PPGGCBEv), Manaus, AM, Brazil.
Abstract:
Stingless bees like Melipona interrupta play vital ecological roles and rely on diverse microbial communities in their larval food. This study investigated the impact of fungal diversity on larval development and caste differentiation. Fungi isolated from brood cell food were identified morphologically and molecularly, with Fomitopsis sp. and Zygosaccharomyces sp. showing high prevalence. Artificial larval rearing was conducted using sterilized and non-sterilized food inoculated with these fungi. Zygosaccharomyces sp. significantly enhanced survival rates and queen production, achieving results comparable to natural conditions, while Fomitopsis sp. had a modest effect. Statistical analyses confirmed significant associations between fungal treatments and larval outcomes. These findings underscore the functional role of fungi in M. interrupta larval nutrition and offer potential applications in sustainable meliponiculture.
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