Effects of Bee Pollen Inclusion on the Performance and Gut Morphology of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens

This study was conducted to determine the effect of bee pollen inclusion on the performance and gut morphology of Ross 308 broiler chickens. A total of 240-day-old chicks (120 males and 120 females) were allocated to 4 treatments in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with sex as a block. Each experimental group was replicated 3 times with 10 chicks per replicate, with an average weight of 40 ± 5g per bird. Body weight and feed intake were measured on a weekly basis to calculate the feed conversion ratio. Gut morphology was measured on days 21 and 42. Data were analysed using the General Linear Model procedures of the Statistical Analysis System.Bee pollen inclusion in starter diets had an effect (p<0.05) on body weight and live weight gain of male Ross 308 broiler chickens. The different inclusion levels of bee pollen had an effect (p<0.05) on the gut morphology of Ross 308 broiler chickens. The ileum lengths of female broiler chickens were significantly wider (p<0.05) in comparison with male chickens. This may suggest that bee pollen inclusion has a beneficial effect on broiler chickens gut morphology during the early stages of development. It can be concluded that natural substances such as bee pollen can be a possible feed additive to replace synthetic antibiotics, since such compounds are essential for the growth and development of poultry gut.(AU)

Bee pollen from different floral species of the caatinga biome: determination of nutritional parameters / Pólen apícola de diferentes fontes florais da caatinga: determinação de parâmetros nutricionais

The objective of this work was to characterize nutritional parameters of bee pollens from plant species occurring in a semiarid region, in Picos, state of Piaui, Brazil. Bee pollen samples were collected from the experimental apiary of the Study Group on Bees from the Semiarid Region of Piaui (GEASPI/UFPI) and subjected to melissopalynological analysis to determine their botanical origins, and bromatological analysis (crude protein, lipids, fibers, and ash) in the Laboratory of Animal Nutrition of the Department of Zootechnics of the Federal University of Piaui (UFPI), in Teresina, Piaui (DZO/UFPI/Teresina). Six plant species (Aspilia sp., Senna obtusifolia,Mimosa pudica L., Cupheaericoides, Croton sp., and Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) were predominant for bee pollen production in the study area. Therefore, the nutritional compositions of the pollen produced in the Caatinga area varied according to their botanical origin, as shown by the crude protein (20.75% to 38.18%), fiber (0.53% to 1.37%), lipid (0.49% to 4.7%), and total mineral (2.56 to 4.17%) contents. Bromatological parameters also varied according to the botanical origin of the pollens evaluated. The study region has considerable diversity of pollinator plant species that provide bee pollens with a wide spectrum of nutritional characteristics.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi caracterizar, por meio de parâmetros nutricionais, amostras de pólen apícola pro-venientes de espécies vegetais ocorrentes em uma região semiárida, no município de Picos, Piauí. As amostras de pólen apícola foram coletadas do apiário experimental do Grupo de Estudos sobre Abelhas do Semiárido Piauiense (GEASPI/UFPI) e submetidas: 1. à análise melissopalinológica para a determinação das origens botânicas; e 2. às análises broma-tológicas (proteína bruta, lipídeos, fibras e cinzas) no Laboratório de Nutrição Animal do Departamento de Zootecnia (DZO/UFPI/Teresina). Constatou-se que existem seis espécies (Aspilia sp., Senna obtusifolia,Mimosa pudica L., Cupheaericoides, Croton sp. e Mimosa caesalpiniifolia) vegetais predominantes na produção de pólen apícola na área de estudo e assim, o pólen apícola produzido em uma área de Caatinga do município de Picos apresentou composição nutricional que variou de acordo com sua origem botânica: teor de proteína bruta (20,75 a 38,18%), a quantidade de fibras (0,53 a 1,37%), o teor de lipídeos (0,49 a 4,7%) e a quantidade de minerais totais (2,56 a 4,17%). Observou-se que os parâme-tros bromatológicos do pólen apícola variaram de acordo com a origem botânica do produto. Concluiu-se que a região apresenta considerável diversidade de espécies vegetais poliníferas que concedem ao pólen apícola um amplo espectro de características nutricionais.(AU)

Foraging patterns of bees in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb. ) flowers in Panama

t The foraging patterns of bees in watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb.) flowers were investigated in Los Santos, Panama, over a period of 84 observation days. The study aimed to identify the bee species visiting the flowers, their daily visitation rates, and the resources they foraged. The majority of visits were made by native bees, particularly stingless bees, suggesting their crucial role in pollinating watermelon crops in the area. The most frequently observed bee species visiting the flowers were N. perilampoides(58.7%), A. mellifera (23%), and P. peckolti (4%). Nectar was the primary resource foraged by most bees, with comparable visitation rates for both male (staminate) and female (pistillate) flowers. Honeybees allocated nearly half of their visits (47.7%) for pollen collection, and the majority of their daily visits occurred between 7:00 and 8:00 hours. In contrast, stingless bee visits peaked between 8:00 and 9:00 hours. Nectar visits were shorter in duration than pollen visits, with honeybees exhibiting the shortest durations when visiting watermelon flowers. Significant variations were observed in the daily foraging patterns among bee species during the 84-h observation period (Friedman P < 0.05). Additionally, bee characteristics such as size, color, and sociability, along with the time of day, significantly influenced flower visits for resources (GLMM P < 0.05). These findings contribute to the understanding of Central American bee species' behavior, aid in their conservation and management and have implications for enhancing fruit production in local watermelon crops.(AU)

Use of microstructural characteristics of pollen and pistil to identify olive cultivars in Southern Brazil

The olive crop has a large diversity in cultivars around the world, whose identification have been based on leaf, stem or fruit traits. However, these traits may be influenced by the environment, which has led to the misidentification of cultivars. The variability of the pistil and pollen structure under electron scanning and light microscopy were studied using the cultivars 'Arbequina', 'Arbosana', 'Frantoio', 'Koroneiki', 'Manzanilla de Sevilla' and 'Picual', cultivated in Southern Brazil. The aim was to find unique patterns for their identification. This type of study has not been carried out in the conditions of Southern Brazil, where the identification of commercial cultivars sometimes is complex and confusing. There were significant differences in the variables, showing uniformity within each cultivar in different locations. The principal component analysis indicated a separation of cultivars according to similarities or micromorphological differences in the pollen wall, area of the lumen and the structural elements of the tectum. For the analysis of the pistil, the separation was even clearer, each cultivar individually forming a cluster, using as characters the length of the style in contrast to the length, width and area of the stigma. This evidenced little variation among individuals within the same cultivar. The information provided can contribute to the individual identification of very close olive tree cultivars in the conditions of Southern Brazil.(AU)

First report of a nest of Ceratina (Ceratinula) fioreseana Oliveira (Hymenoptera: Apidae) / Primeiro registro de um ninho de Ceratina (Ceratinula) fioreseana Oliveira (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

We provide herein the first report of a nest of Ceratina (Ceratinula) fioreseana Oliveira, 2020, a species that was recently described for the Cerrado domain. The nest was collected in a Passiflora edulis Sims (Passifloraceae) plantation in Minas Gerais State, Brazil and was built in a trap nest, a dry petiole of Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae). Within the nest there was a living female and a brood cell without partition containing a pupa, whose adult female emerged 28 days after pupation. Pollen analysis revealed the dominance of Emilia fosbergii Nicolson (Asteraceae) pollen grains, a weed recorded a few meters from the nest. The record of an adult female within the nest with a pupa and the absence of nest partition might suggest social behavior in this bee species.(AU)

Primeiro registro de um ninho de Ceratina (Ceratinula) fioreseana Oliveira (Hymenoptera: Apidae). É fornecido o primeiro registro de um ninho de Ceratina (Ceratinula) fioreseana Oliveira, 2020, uma espécie que foi recentemente descrita para o domínio do Cerrado. O ninho foi coletado em um cultivo de Passiflora edulis Sims (Passifloraceae) no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil e foi construído em um ninho-armadilha, um pecíolo seco de Cecropia pachystachya Trécul (Urticaceae). Dentro do ninho havia uma fêmea e uma célula de cria sem partição contendo uma pupa, a qual a fêmea adulta emergiu 28 dias após pupação. A análise polínica revelou a dominância de grãos de pólen de Emilia fosbergii Nicolson (Asteraceae), uma espécie ruderal observada a poucos metros do ninho. O registro de uma fêmea adulta dentro do ninho juntamente com uma pupa e a ausência de partição na célula de cria podem sugerir comportamento social nesta espécie de abelha.(AU)

Development of colonies of uruçu stingless bees fed a vitamin-amino acid supplement / Desenvolvimento de colônias de abelhas sem ferrão uruçu alimentadas com o suplemento aminoácido vitamínico

This study proposes to investigate the influence of a vitamin-amino acid supplement on the weight of colonies of uruçu stingless bees (Melipona scutellaris). The experiment was carried out with 24 colonies and three treatments, which consisted of a solution of different proportions of supplement (0, 3, and 5 mL) diluted in syrup (water and sugar). Although this supplement is effective and indicated for other species of domestic animals, analysis of variance with repeated measures over time did not reveal a significant effect (P > 0.05) of its dose on the weight of the hives, showing that the supply of the vitamin-amino acid supplement does not meet the nutritional requirements of the colony. The use of this product did not have a positive effect on the development of the uruçu bee colonies, so it should not be employed as a major source of amino acids and vitamins in the diet of bees. Beekeepers are suggested to provide uruçu bees with an abundant diversity of plants so that they have access to different types of pollen as a source of nutrients.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi verificar a influência do suplemento aminoácido vitamínico no peso de colônias de abelhas sem ferrão Uruçu (Melipona scutellaris). O experimento foi realizado com 24 colônias e três tratamentos, consistindo na oferta de uma solução de xarope (água e açúcar) diluído com diferentes proporções de 0, 3 e 5 mL de suplemento. Embora este suplemento seja eficaz e indicado para outras espécies animais de domésticos, a análise de variância com medida repetida no tempo não apresentou efeito significativo (P> 0,05) do nível desse suplemento sobre o peso das colmeias, mostrando que a oferta do suplemento aminoácido vitamínico, não supre a necessidade nutricional para a colônia. Conclui-se que o uso desse produto não surtiu efeito positivo no desenvolvimento de colônias de abelhas Uruçu (Melipona scutellaris), indicando que não deveria ser utilizado como fonte majoritária de aminoácido e de vitaminas na alimentação das abelhas. Sugere-se que os meliponicultores proporcionem às abelhas Uruçu (Melipona scutellaris) uma abundante diversidade de plantas a fim de que tenham acesso a diferentes tipos de pólen como fonte de nutrientes.(AU)

Productive flight activity of bees in the active period in the conditions of Vinnytsia region

The study aimed to identify the relationship between pollen collection, nectar, and seasonal dynamics of the brood of the bee colonies of the Ukrainian bee breed to study their active activity when changing the period of the active season. We compared the collection of nectar and pollen from honey plants of the garden, white acacia, and sunflower. The number of bees bringing pollen and nectar to the hive was recorded. The active work of bees to collect pollen is associated with the work of the uterus to lay eggs and the number of broods in the hives. Bee colonies increase their flight activity by collecting pollen in early spring and summer. By the beginning of the main honey harvest, pollination work is minimized, especially during the flowering of white acacia, and they switch to collecting nectar. Analysis of the results allows us to conclude that bees' daily dynamics that produce pollen increase in the spring to May and June.

Productive flight activity of bees in the active period in the conditions of Vinnytsia region

The study aimed to identify the relationship between pollen collection, nectar, and seasonal dynamics of the brood of the bee colonies of the Ukrainian bee breed to study their active activity when changing the period of the active season. We compared the collection of nectar and pollen from honey plants of the garden, white acacia, and sunflower. The number of bees bringing pollen and nectar to the hive was recorded. The active work of bees to collect pollen is associated with the work of the uterus to lay eggs and the number of broods in the hives. Bee colonies increase their flight activity by collecting pollen in early spring and summer. By the beginning of the main honey harvest, pollination work is minimized, especially during the flowering of white acacia, and they switch to collecting nectar. Analysis of the results allows us to conclude that bees' daily dynamics that produce pollen increase in the spring to May and June.(AU)

Performance and biometry of the gastrointestinal tract in growing Japanese quails fed bee pollen / Desempenho e biometria do trato gastrointestinal de codornas japonesas em crescimento alimentadas com pólen apícola

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different levels of bee pollen in the diet of growing Japanese quails on productive performance, relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs and length of small and large intestines. A total of 650 one-day-old female Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments according to the dietary levels of bee pollen (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, and 1.6%), five replicates, and 26 birds per experimental unit. At the end of the experimental period (35 days of age), the performance and relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs and length of small and large intestines were evaluated. The dietary inclusion of bee pollen did not influence (P > 0.05) performance, relative weight of proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, liver, and large intestine, as well as the length of small and large intestines. However, a linear reduction (P < 0.05) was observed in the relative weight of small intestine as dietary bee pollen levels increased. The inclusion of bee pollen from 0.4 to 1.6% in the diet of growing Japanese quails did neither improve productive performance nor alter the biometry of digestive organs.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de pólen apícola nas dietas de codornas japonesas em crescimento sobre o desempenho produtivo, peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e comprimento do intestino delgado e grosso. Um total de 650 codornas japonesas, fêmeas, de um dia de idade, foram distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos de acordo com os níveis dietéticos do pólen apícola (0,0; 0,4; 0,8; 1,2 e 1,6%), cinco repetições e 26 aves por unidade experimental. Ao final do período experimental (35 dias de idade), o desempenho e o peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e o comprimento do intestino delgado e grosso foram avaliados. A inclusão dietética de pólen de abelha não influenciou (P > 0,05) o desempenho, peso relativo do proventrículo, moela, pâncreas, fígado e intestino grosso, bem como o comprimento do intestino delgado e intestino grosso. Entretanto, uma redução linear (P < 0,05) foi observada no peso relativo do intestino delgado de acordo com o aumento dos níveis de pólen apícola. A inclusão dietética de 0,4 a 1,6% de pólen apícola para codornas japonesas em crescimento não melhorou o desempenho produtivo e não alterou a biometria dos órgãos digestivos.(AU)

Grass pollen sensitization in dogs in Paraná, Brazil: comparison between percutaneous and intradermal testing / [Sensibilização a polens em cães no Paraná, Brasil: comparação entre o teste percutâneo e o teste intradérmico]

Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory, genetic, pruritic and chronic dermatosis that affects between 10 and 30% of dogs and one of the most important allergens is grass pollen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitization to grass pollen allergens in dogs with canine atopic dermatitis and to compare intradermal skin test (IDT) with percutaneous test (PT). For this study, ten healthy dogs and 39 dogs with atopic dermatitis were tested. Dogs were submitted to IDT and PT for Lolium multiflorum, Cynodon dactylon and Paspalum notatum. The IDT and PT tests were compared using the Proportion Test. All healthy dogs were negative to both tests. Ten atopic dogs (25.6%) responded positively to the PT and none were positive in IDT. C. dactylon, L. multiflorum and P. notatum were responsible for positive reactions in 70%, 70% and 30% of positive dogs, respectively. The number of positive reactions in PT were statistically higher than IDT (P<0.05). In conclusion, grass pollen can be important source of allergens for dogs in Paraná state (Brazil) and the PT showed higher sensitization to grass pollen in dogs with atopic dermatitis than IDT.(AU)

A dermatite atópica canina é uma dermatose inflamatória, genética, prurítica e crônica que afeta entre 10% e 30% dos cães, e um dos alérgenos mais importantes são os polens de gramíneas. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a sensibilização a alérgenos de polens de gramíneas em cães com dermatite atópica e comparar o teste intradérmico (TID) com o teste percutâneo (TP). Para o estudo, 10 cães hígidos e 39 cães com dermatite atópica foram testados. Estes foram submetidos ao TID e ao TP para Lolium multiflorum, Cynodon dactylon e Paspalum notatum. TID e TP foram comparados usando-se o teste de proporção. Todos os cães hígidos foram negativos em ambos os testes. Dez cães atópicos (25,6%) responderam positivamente ao TP e nenhum ao TID. C. dactylon, L. multiflorum e P. notatum foram responsáveis por reações positivas de 70%, 70% e 30% dos cães positivos, respectivamente. O número de reações positivas no TP foi estatisticamente maior que no TID (P<0,05). Foi concluído que os polens de gramíneas podem ser importantes fontes de alérgenos para cães no estado do Paraná (Brasil) e que o TP mostrou maior sensibilização a polens em cães com dermatite atópica que o TID.(AU)

Volatile compounds in off-odor honey / Compostos voláteis em mel com odor indesejável

Climatic conditions in the mid-northern region of Mato Grosso State in Brazil are favorable for beekeeping. However, since 2011, the honey production chain has suffered losses because the production of off-odor honey has made it impossible to market the honey. Reports from beekeepers indicated a relationship between the off-odor in the honey and the nectar of Borreria verticillata (L.) G. Mey (Rubiaceae). In this study, the botanical origins and volatile profiles of ten off-odor honeys (H1-H10) and flowers of B. verticillata were evaluated. Palynological and sensorial analyses of the honeys were performed; a scale from 1 to 4 was applied for the sensorial analysis, in which 1 indicates no off-odor and 4 indicates extreme off-odor. Analysis of volatile was performed by using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy methods. The honeys investigated were classified with very high to intense off-odors, except H4 and H5, which did not differ from the control honey (no off-odor). Palynological analyses showed that honeys H1-H4, H7, and H9 were monofloral from B. verticillata, whereas in H5, H6, H8, and H10 this pollen were accessory. However, there was no quantitative correlation between the B. verticillata pollen content and the off-odor attributes of the honeys. Skatole was identified in all of the honeys except H4, H5, and the control honeys, suggesting that skatole contributed to the off-odor attributes of the products. However, further studies are required to investigate the origin of the skatole because it is not transferred directly from B. verticillata flowers to the honey.(AU)

As condições climáticas da região Centro-Norte do Estado de Mato Grosso são favoráveis a apicultura, contudo ocorrem prejuízos nesta cadeia produtiva desde 2011 devido a produção de mel com odor indesejável, o que impossibilitou sua comercialização. Relatos dos apicultores apontaram relação da ocorrência do odor indesejável no mel com o néctar Borreria verticillata (L.) G. Mey (Rubiaceae). Neste estudo foi avaliado a origem botânica e o perfil de voláteis de méis (M1 até M10) com odor indesejável e das flores de B. verticillata. Foi realizada a análise polínica do mel e também sensorial, empregando-se uma escala de um a quatro pontos, em que um refere-se a nenhum odor desagradável e quatro, extremo odor desagradável. A análise de compostos voláteis no mel e nas flores de B. verticillata foi realizada utilizando microextração em fase sólida por headspace e cromatografia gasosa acoplada a detector por espectrometria de massas. Os méis investigados foram classificados desde muito a extremo odor desagradável, exceto os méis M4 e M5, que não diferiram do mel controle (sem odor indesejável). Os méis M1 até M4, M7 e M9 eram monoflorais de B. verticillata, enquanto M5, M6, M8 e M10 o pólen B. verticillata era acessório. Todavia, não foi observada correlação quantitativa entre o teor deste pólen e o atributo odor indesejável. O escatol foi identificado nos méis investigados, exceto em M4, M5 e mel controle. Estes resultados sugerem que o escatol contribuiu para o atributo odor desagradável do produto. Contudo, mais estudos devem ser conduzidos para investigar a origem do odor indesejável, porque o escatol não foi transferido diretamente das flores para o mel.(AU)

Influence of high temperature on the reproductive biology of dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. )

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on 12 bean genotypes through the analysis of their reproductive biology in terms of flowering, pollen viability, meiotic behavior, and production. Plants were grown in a climate chamber at 25-20 °C (day and night) and at a high temperature treatment 37-26 °C (day and night) from the vegetative (V4) development stage to physiological maturity. The experimental design was 2 × 12 factorial arrangement with six replications and the factors consisted of heat treatments and genotypes. In three replications, the number of newly opened flowers was checked daily. At physiological maturity, the following traits were evaluated: percentage of pod set, number of pods, number of viable seeds, number of aborted seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield (g per plant). The other three replications were used to collect flowers to create slides to study viability of the pollen grain and analyze the meiotic behavior. The heat treatment factor significantly affected the following traits: total number of pollen grains, number of flowers, number of pods, pod set, number of viable seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield. The raised temperature reduced these variables, except for percentage of pod set, and increased meiotic irregularities. The mean values regarding seed yield were 16.39 g per plant for the control treatment and 7.46 g per plant under high temperature. IAC Imperador, FT Nobre, Pérola, BRS Estilo, and IAC Diplomata stood out for higher bean seed yield under increased temperature.

Influence of high temperature on the reproductive biology of dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. )

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on 12 bean genotypes through the analysis of their reproductive biology in terms of flowering, pollen viability, meiotic behavior, and production. Plants were grown in a climate chamber at 25-20 °C (day and night) and at a high temperature treatment 37-26 °C (day and night) from the vegetative (V4) development stage to physiological maturity. The experimental design was 2 × 12 factorial arrangement with six replications and the factors consisted of heat treatments and genotypes. In three replications, the number of newly opened flowers was checked daily. At physiological maturity, the following traits were evaluated: percentage of pod set, number of pods, number of viable seeds, number of aborted seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield (g per plant). The other three replications were used to collect flowers to create slides to study viability of the pollen grain and analyze the meiotic behavior. The heat treatment factor significantly affected the following traits: total number of pollen grains, number of flowers, number of pods, pod set, number of viable seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield. The raised temperature reduced these variables, except for percentage of pod set, and increased meiotic irregularities. The mean values regarding seed yield were 16.39 g per plant for the control treatment and 7.46 g per plant under high temperature. IAC Imperador, FT Nobre, Pérola, BRS Estilo, and IAC Diplomata stood out for higher bean seed yield under increased temperature.(AU)

Improving crops genome through genetic engineering of the key metabolic pathways

Soybean loss due to pests and pathogens is a serious problem worldwide. Soybean producers have few options to manage diseases caused by general pathogens where major genes for full resistance have not been discovered. The innate defense of soybean plants could be enhanced by improving content and composition of lignin by genetic engineering of the phenylpropanoid pathway.We used a novel technique of germ-line genetic transformation of soybean plants via natural pollen tubes as vectors. This technique uses Agrobacterium tumefaciensto mediate transfer of genes of interest to the zygote to introduce the key lignification genes (PtMYB4, PAL5, F5H, CAD1) into soybean genome. We observed 5.6% average transformation efficiency in the first generation of transgenic plants and in the second generation the presence of the transgene constructs was confirmed in more than 50% (for CsVMV/PtMYB4sens, 35SVTM/PAL5, C4H/F5H, CsVMV/CAD1constructs) transgenic soybean lines. We confirmed the expression of the introduced genes at transcriptional level using RT-PCR and Northern blot. Functional analysis using lignin content determination and the activity of PAL5 and CAD1 enzymes demonstrated that the transgenes perform their function in planta. The proposed technique is effectiveand inexpensive and can be used to create novel stress and disease resistant soybean genotypes.

Biodiversity and forage behavior of bees in Italian pumpkin crop (Cucurbita pepo) / Biodiversidade e comportamento forrageiro de abelhas na cultura da aboboreira italiana (Cucurbita pepo)

The aim of this experiment was to study the biodiversity of pollinators in Italian pumpkin crop in 2013, 2014 and 2015, in relation to the visiting insects in male and female flowers, the type of collection and their forage behavior, in Ribeirão Preto, SP. The opening and closing of flowers and the attractiveness of the male flowers to the female flowers were evaluated. The frequency and type of collection of flower visitors were obtained by counting in the first 10 minutes of each hour with three replicates in each year. Was observed that the flowers open at 6:00 a.m. and closed about 1:00 p.m. The female flowers begin to close at 12 noon and soon after the male ones close also, reducing the activity of the pollinators. Several bee species collect nectar and pollen from pumpkin flowers: Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera, stingless bees Trigona spinipes, native bees Exomalopsis analis, Peponapis fervens and species of the family Halictidae. The most frequent insect in the flowers was Africanized honey bee (79.25%) followed by the stingless bee Trigona spinipes (20.75%). The honey bee visited the flowers from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and preferred to collect nectar in male flowers (61.0%) when compared to pollen in male flowers (22.3%) and nectar in female flowers (16.7%). Due to forage behavior all bees observed were considered as pollinators of the Italian pumpkin crop.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar os polinizadores da abóbora-italiana, em 2013, 2014 e 2015, quanto aos insetos visitantes nas flores, o tipo de coleta e comportamento forrageiro, em Ribeirão Preto, SP. O horário de abertura e fechamento e a atratividade das flores masculinas com relação às femininas foram avaliados. A frequência das visitações dos insetos e o tipo de coleta nas flores, no decorrer do dia, foram obtidos por meio de contagem, nos primeiros 10 minutos de cada horário, com três repetições em cada ano estudado. O comportamento forrageiro de cada espécie de inseto foi avaliado através de observações visuais, no decorrer do dia, durante todo o período experimental. Observou-se que as flores se abrem às 6h00, permanecendo abertas até por volta das 13h00. A partir das 12h00, as flores femininas começam a fechar e logo após as masculinas fecham também, reduzindo a atividade dos polinizadores. Várias espécies de abelhas coletaram néctar e pólen das flores da abóbora: abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera, abelhas sem ferrão Trigona spinipes , abelhas nativas Peponapis fervens e espécies da família Halictidae. O inseto mais frequente nas flores foi abelha africanizada (79,25%) seguida da abelha sem ferrão Trigona spinipes (20,75%). A abelha africanizada visitou as flores das 7h00 às 13h00 e preferiu coletar néctar nas flores masculinas (61,0 %), quando comparado a pólen (22 ,3%) e néctar nas femininas (16,7%). Pelo comportamento, as abelhas observadas foram consideradas polinizadoras dessa cultura.

Biodiversity and forage behavior of bees in Italian pumpkin crop (Cucurbita pepo) / Biodiversidade e comportamento forrageiro de abelhas na cultura da aboboreira italiana (Cucurbita pepo)

The aim of this experiment was to study the biodiversity of pollinators in Italian pumpkin crop in 2013, 2014 and 2015, in relation to the visiting insects in male and female flowers, the type of collection and their forage behavior, in Ribeirão Preto, SP. The opening and closing of flowers and the attractiveness of the male flowers to the female flowers were evaluated. The frequency and type of collection of flower visitors were obtained by counting in the first 10 minutes of each hour with three replicates in each year. Was observed that the flowers open at 6:00 a.m. and closed about 1:00 p.m. The female flowers begin to close at 12 noon and soon after the male ones close also, reducing the activity of the pollinators. Several bee species collect nectar and pollen from pumpkin flowers: Africanized honey bees Apis mellifera, stingless bees Trigona spinipes, native bees Exomalopsis analis, Peponapis fervens and species of the family Halictidae. The most frequent insect in the flowers was Africanized honey bee (79.25%) followed by the stingless bee Trigona spinipes (20.75%). The honey bee visited the flowers from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and preferred to collect nectar in male flowers (61.0%) when compared to pollen in male flowers (22.3%) and nectar in female flowers (16.7%). Due to forage behavior all bees observed were considered as pollinators of the Italian pumpkin crop.(AU)

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram estudar os polinizadores da abóbora-italiana, em 2013, 2014 e 2015, quanto aos insetos visitantes nas flores, o tipo de coleta e comportamento forrageiro, em Ribeirão Preto, SP. O horário de abertura e fechamento e a atratividade das flores masculinas com relação às femininas foram avaliados. A frequência das visitações dos insetos e o tipo de coleta nas flores, no decorrer do dia, foram obtidos por meio de contagem, nos primeiros 10 minutos de cada horário, com três repetições em cada ano estudado. O comportamento forrageiro de cada espécie de inseto foi avaliado através de observações visuais, no decorrer do dia, durante todo o período experimental. Observou-se que as flores se abrem às 6h00, permanecendo abertas até por volta das 13h00. A partir das 12h00, as flores femininas começam a fechar e logo após as masculinas fecham também, reduzindo a atividade dos polinizadores. Várias espécies de abelhas coletaram néctar e pólen das flores da abóbora: abelhas africanizadas Apis mellifera, abelhas sem ferrão Trigona spinipes , abelhas nativas Peponapis fervens e espécies da família Halictidae. O inseto mais frequente nas flores foi abelha africanizada (79,25%) seguida da abelha sem ferrão Trigona spinipes (20,75%). A abelha africanizada visitou as flores das 7h00 às 13h00 e preferiu coletar néctar nas flores masculinas (61,0 %), quando comparado a pólen (22 ,3%) e néctar nas femininas (16,7%). Pelo comportamento, as abelhas observadas foram consideradas polinizadoras dessa cultura.(AU)

Analysis of the effects of climate variables on Apis mellifera pollen foraging performance / Análise dos efeitos de variáveis climáticas no desempenho de forrageamento de pólen de abelhas Apis mellifera

Pollination services performed by bees are essential for the reproduction of a great part of flowering plants. The pollen collected by Apis mellifera while performing pollination (bee pollen), has been incorporated into the human diet for its favorable nutritional components. Around 1,500 tons of bee pollen are produced annually worldwide, especially in Spain, China, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. Despite the importance of bee pollen within apiculture, little is known about the effects of climate variations on bee pollen collection and production. We monitored the pollen collection performance of 24 different honey bee colonies in different climate conditions within a period of one year. We then analyzed the statistical interaction among the number of worker bees returning with pollen loads and 12 climatic variables, to produce a predictive mixed linear model. The results obtained showed that 7 climatic variables were statistically correlated to the pollen collection observed: Maximum temperature of the day, minimum temperature of the day, dew point temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, rainfall, and the date of the sample. This research brings information for the development of a more effective pollen productive system.(AU)

Serviços de polinização são essenciais para a reprodução de uma grande parte das plantas com flores. Além de fundamental para produtividade agrícola e segurança alimentar no planeta, a atividade de polinização por Apis mellifera também possibilita a produção do pólen apícola. Devido a sua riqueza nutricional, o pólen apícola vem sendo incorporado às dietas humanas e de animais de interesse zootécnico. Cerca de 1.500 toneladas de pólen de abelha são produzidas anualmente em todo o mundo, especialmente em países como Espanha, China, Austrália, Argentina e Brasil. Apesar da importância do pólen na cadeia produtiva apícola, muito pouco se conhece sobre os efeitos das variações climáticas sobre a coleta e a produtividade de pólen. Neste estudo, foi monitorado o desempenho da coleta de pólen de 24 colônias de abelhas africanizadas, em diferentes condições climáticas, por um período de um ano. Analisaram-se estatisticamente as interações dos dados obtidos para o número de abelhas operárias que retornaram com cargas de pólen nas corbículas e 12 variáveis climáticas, a fim de se produzir um modelo estatístico preditivo. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que sete variáveis climáticas influenciaram significativamente a coleta de pólen: temperatura máxima do dia, temperatura mínima do dia, temperatura do ponto de orvalho, umidade relativa, cobertura de nuvens, precipitação pluviométrica e data da amostragem. Esta pesquisa traz informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de um sistema produtivo de pólen apícola mais eficaz.(AU)

Analysis of the effects of climate variables on Apis mellifera pollen foraging performance / Análise dos efeitos de variáveis climáticas no desempenho de forrageamento de pólen de abelhas Apis mellifera

Pollination services performed by bees are essential for the reproduction of a great part of flowering plants. The pollen collected by Apis mellifera while performing pollination (bee pollen), has been incorporated into the human diet for its favorable nutritional components. Around 1,500 tons of bee pollen are produced annually worldwide, especially in Spain, China, Australia, Argentina, and Brazil. Despite the importance of bee pollen within apiculture, little is known about the effects of climate variations on bee pollen collection and production. We monitored the pollen collection performance of 24 different honey bee colonies in different climate conditions within a period of one year. We then analyzed the statistical interaction among the number of worker bees returning with pollen loads and 12 climatic variables, to produce a predictive mixed linear model. The results obtained showed that 7 climatic variables were statistically correlated to the pollen collection observed: Maximum temperature of the day, minimum temperature of the day, dew point temperature, relative humidity, cloud cover, rainfall, and the date of the sample. This research brings information for the development of a more effective pollen productive system.(AU)

Serviços de polinização são essenciais para a reprodução de uma grande parte das plantas com flores. Além de fundamental para produtividade agrícola e segurança alimentar no planeta, a atividade de polinização por Apis mellifera também possibilita a produção do pólen apícola. Devido a sua riqueza nutricional, o pólen apícola vem sendo incorporado às dietas humanas e de animais de interesse zootécnico. Cerca de 1.500 toneladas de pólen de abelha são produzidas anualmente em todo o mundo, especialmente em países como Espanha, China, Austrália, Argentina e Brasil. Apesar da importância do pólen na cadeia produtiva apícola, muito pouco se conhece sobre os efeitos das variações climáticas sobre a coleta e a produtividade de pólen. Neste estudo, foi monitorado o desempenho da coleta de pólen de 24 colônias de abelhas africanizadas, em diferentes condições climáticas, por um período de um ano. Analisaram-se estatisticamente as interações dos dados obtidos para o número de abelhas operárias que retornaram com cargas de pólen nas corbículas e 12 variáveis climáticas, a fim de se produzir um modelo estatístico preditivo. Os resultados obtidos mostraram que sete variáveis climáticas influenciaram significativamente a coleta de pólen: temperatura máxima do dia, temperatura mínima do dia, temperatura do ponto de orvalho, umidade relativa, cobertura de nuvens, precipitação pluviométrica e data da amostragem. Esta pesquisa traz informações importantes para o desenvolvimento de um sistema produtivo de pólen apícola mais eficaz.(AU)

Pollen and seed dispersal of Brazil nut trees in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon / Dispersão de pólen e sementes da castanheira no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira

Pollen and seed dispersal patterns greatly influence the spatial distribution of plant genetic diversity. Microsatellite-based parentage analysis provides accurate estimates of contemporary gene dispersal. Although most tropical trees have been shown to exhibit widespread pollen dispersal, few studies have estimated contemporary gene dispersal after seedling establishment. Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) is pollinated by large-bodied bees, while previous seed-tracking experiments suggest their seeds are mainly dispersed across very short distances by scatter-hoarding rodents, who primarily act as seed predators. Here we used parentage analysis to provide contemporary estimates of pollen and seed dispersal in B. excelsa recruits. We examined six 25-ha plots located in two natural stands in the Acre River valley, in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. We used 11 microsatellite markers to estimate genetic diversity and fixation index parameters in adults, seedlings and saplings. Genetic diversity was moderate and did not differ across size classes or sampling locations. We assigned pollen and seed parents for < 20% of the recruits, indicating that most events of realized gene flow occurred beyond our 25-ha plots. Only 10 parentage assignments were confirmed with 80% confidence. Pollen distance ranged from 33 to 372 m and seed dispersal from 58 to 655 m. Actual seed-dispersal distances were far greater than the estimates obtained in previous seed-tracking experiments. Thus, studies encompassing larger sampling areas are necessary to determine a more representative spatial scale of B. excelsas pollen and seed dispersal capacity in natural stands.

Os padrões de dispersão de pólen e sementes influenciam a distribuição espacial da diversidade genética. Muitas espécies arbóreas tropicais apresentam ampla dispersão de pólen, mas poucos estudos avaliaram fluxo gênico a partir de plântulas. Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) é polinizada por abelhas e as sementes são dispersas por roedores do tipo scatter-hoarders (que estocam recursos em diferentes pontos de sua área de vida), que atuam primariamente como predadores de sementes. Experimentos de remoção de sementes tem mostrado que a dispersão de sementes por esses roedores é espacialmente limitada. Nosso objetivo foi obter estimativas de dispersão de pólen e sementes em B. excelsa a partir da análise de parentesco de regenerantes. Nós estudamos seis parcelas de 25 ha, em duas áreas de floresta nativa no vale do Rio Acre, no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Parâmetros de diversidade genética e índice de fixação foram estimados em adultos, varetas e plântulas com 11 marcadores microssatélites. A diversidade genética foi moderada e não diferiu entre classes de tamanho ou entre localidades. A paternidade foi determinada em menos de 20% dos regenerantes, indicando que a maioria dos eventos de fluxo gênico ocorreu em distâncias maiores que as encontradas nas parcelas de 25 ha. As distâncias de pólen variaram de 33 a 372 m e as de dispersão de sementes variaram de 58 a 655 m. As distâncias de dispersão obtidas neste estudo excedem em muito as estimativas obtidas em experimentos de remoção de sementes. Estudos envolvendo áreas maiores são necessários para que possamos aprofundar nosso conhecimento sobre capacidade de dispersão de pólen e sementes em populações naturais de B. excelsa.

Pollen and seed dispersal of Brazil nut trees in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon / Dispersão de pólen e sementes da castanheira no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira

Pollen and seed dispersal patterns greatly influence the spatial distribution of plant genetic diversity. Microsatellite-based parentage analysis provides accurate estimates of contemporary gene dispersal. Although most tropical trees have been shown to exhibit widespread pollen dispersal, few studies have estimated contemporary gene dispersal after seedling establishment. Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) is pollinated by large-bodied bees, while previous seed-tracking experiments suggest their seeds are mainly dispersed across very short distances by scatter-hoarding rodents, who primarily act as seed predators. Here we used parentage analysis to provide contemporary estimates of pollen and seed dispersal in B. excelsa recruits. We examined six 25-ha plots located in two natural stands in the Acre River valley, in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. We used 11 microsatellite markers to estimate genetic diversity and fixation index parameters in adults, seedlings and saplings. Genetic diversity was moderate and did not differ across size classes or sampling locations. We assigned pollen and seed parents for < 20% of the recruits, indicating that most events of realized gene flow occurred beyond our 25-ha plots. Only 10 parentage assignments were confirmed with 80% confidence. Pollen distance ranged from 33 to 372 m and seed dispersal from 58 to 655 m. Actual seed-dispersal distances were far greater than the estimates obtained in previous seed-tracking experiments. Thus, studies encompassing larger sampling areas are necessary to determine a more representative spatial scale of B. excelsas pollen and seed dispersal capacity in natural stands.(AU)

Os padrões de dispersão de pólen e sementes influenciam a distribuição espacial da diversidade genética. Muitas espécies arbóreas tropicais apresentam ampla dispersão de pólen, mas poucos estudos avaliaram fluxo gênico a partir de plântulas. Bertholletia excelsa (Lecythidaceae) é polinizada por abelhas e as sementes são dispersas por roedores do tipo scatter-hoarders (que estocam recursos em diferentes pontos de sua área de vida), que atuam primariamente como predadores de sementes. Experimentos de remoção de sementes tem mostrado que a dispersão de sementes por esses roedores é espacialmente limitada. Nosso objetivo foi obter estimativas de dispersão de pólen e sementes em B. excelsa a partir da análise de parentesco de regenerantes. Nós estudamos seis parcelas de 25 ha, em duas áreas de floresta nativa no vale do Rio Acre, no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Parâmetros de diversidade genética e índice de fixação foram estimados em adultos, varetas e plântulas com 11 marcadores microssatélites. A diversidade genética foi moderada e não diferiu entre classes de tamanho ou entre localidades. A paternidade foi determinada em menos de 20% dos regenerantes, indicando que a maioria dos eventos de fluxo gênico ocorreu em distâncias maiores que as encontradas nas parcelas de 25 ha. As distâncias de pólen variaram de 33 a 372 m e as de dispersão de sementes variaram de 58 a 655 m. As distâncias de dispersão obtidas neste estudo excedem em muito as estimativas obtidas em experimentos de remoção de sementes. Estudos envolvendo áreas maiores são necessários para que possamos aprofundar nosso conhecimento sobre capacidade de dispersão de pólen e sementes em populações naturais de B. excelsa.(AU)