RESUMO
Male orchid bees collect volatile and semi-volatile compounds from the environment for storage and accumulation in specialized hind legs. Later, these compounds form a perfume blend used during courtship to lure conspecific females for mating. Male orchid bees perfume has been suggested to play an important role as a sexual signaling trait involved in pre-mating isolation of species, functioning as an indicator of male genetic quality. Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier (Apidae: Euglossini) is a common species in both forested and woody savanna (Cerrado stricto sensu) physiognomies of the Brazilian savanna biome. By identifying the chemical composition of male E. nigrita perfume, we tested for differences in the bouquet chemical profile in populations from remnants of seasonal semideciduous forest and woody savanna. In addition, we assessed the relation between perfume complexity and morphological traits associated with size and age of males. Our analysis showed a low effect of physiognomies on differences in the perfume chemical profile of sampled males. Nevertheless, we observed significant differences in the chemical profile of individuals from two seasonal semideciduous forest remnants, which suggests an environmental effect in individual bouquet. Wing wear measurements were positively related to perfume complexity, consistent with the premise that perfumes from older individuals are indicators of survival capacity in male orchid bees.
Assuntos
Perfumes , Humanos , Feminino , Abelhas , Masculino , Animais , Pradaria , Brasil , Fisiognomia , Florestas , Tamanho CorporalRESUMO
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is considered the leading cause of dementia in the elderly worldwide. It results in progressive memory loss and impairment of cognitive and motor skills, leading to a high degree of disability and dependence. The development of AD is associated with the accumulation of senile plaques in the brain, caused by the amyloidogenic pathway of the disease. Several genetic and biochemical events are linked to AD development, with oxidative stress being one of them. Due to the scarcity of drugs aimed at treating AD, antioxidant compounds are increasingly studied as therapeutic targets for the disease. In this study, we investigate the antioxidant and anti-Alzheimer potential of the Tetragonisca angustula (Jataí) pollen extract in a Drosophila melanogaster Alzheimer's model. For this purpose, we utilized a D. melanogaster AD-like model, which expresses genes related to the amyloidogenic pathway of Alzheimer's disease. We explored the floral origin of the collected pollen, conducted phytochemical prospecting, and evaluated its antioxidant capacity in vitro. In vivo experiments involved assessing the survival and climbing ability of the D. melanogaster AD-like model with various concentrations of the pollen extract. Our findings revealed that the pollen extract of Tetragonisca angustula exhibits a significant antioxidant response and high concentrations of important phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. Furthermore, it enhanced the survival rate of D. melanogaster, and across all concentrations tested, it improved the climbing ability of the flies after 15 days of treatment with methanolic pollen extract. Additionally, the pollen extract reduced the neurodegeneration index in histopathological analysis. Thus, our study demonstrates the potential of Tetragonisca angustula pollen as an important subject for further investigation, aiming to isolate molecules that could potentially serve as therapeutic targets for Alzheimer's disease.
Assuntos
Doença de Alzheimer , Antioxidantes , Humanos , Abelhas , Animais , Idoso , Antioxidantes/farmacologia , Antioxidantes/uso terapêutico , Doença de Alzheimer/metabolismo , Drosophila melanogaster , Pólen/metabolismo , Extratos Vegetais/farmacologia , Extratos Vegetais/uso terapêuticoRESUMO
BACKGROUND: The importance of pollination is recognized worldwide. This study investigates the influence of biotic pollination on the chemical composition of coffee (Coffea arabica L.) cultivated in the municipalities of Araguari and Monte Carmelo, in Minas Gerais state, Brazil. Twenty samples were analyzed, of which 10 were biotically pollinated (P) and 10 non-biotically pollinated (NP). Analyses of bioactive compounds, antioxidant capacity and centesimal composition of coffees were performed. RESULTS: The results revealed chemical differences between the P and NP samples, with significantly higher levels of the bioactive compounds caffeine, trigonelline, and chlorogenic acids in the P samples. The findings indicated that pollination of the coffee plants assisted germination and made the beans less susceptible to attack by external agents. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrated that pollination services are important mechanisms affecting the chemical composition of coffee beans. Considering that the compounds evaluated are precursors of volatile compounds in coffee, this directly affects the quality of the beans. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assuntos
Antioxidantes , Coffea , Antioxidantes/química , Coffea/química , Polinização , Sementes/química , Cafeína/análiseRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Pollination enhances coffee quality at the material level, improves the symbolic attributes of coffee and promotes sustainability. The objective of this work was to quantify the composition of volatile compounds in roasted coffee produced in the presence and absence of biotic pollination, aiming at investigating the effects of pollination on the composition of volatile compounds in coffee beans. This is the first report of its kind in the literature. RESULTS: The analysis of volatile compounds in roasted coffee beans showed that pollination increased the amount of volatile compounds in the beans; there was a significant increase in the amount of the following classes of compounds: pyrazines, pyrroles, pyridines, alcohols and phenols. Considering that most volatile compounds in roasted coffee are derived from reactions involving carbohydrates, proteins, chlorogenic acids and some alkaloids, our hypothesis is that pollinated coffee beans are better prepared for germination and for defense of the crop against attack by external agents. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study point to the important role played by sustainable practices implemented in coffee cultivation. The results obtained in this study pave the way toward the conduct of further investigations, including the analysis of the chemical composition of aroma precursors and volatile compounds in raw coffee beans, and the study of the sensory aspects of roasted coffee. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Assuntos
Coffea , Coffea/química , Manipulação de Alimentos/métodos , Odorantes/análise , Polinização , Sementes/químicaRESUMO
Diversity of the euglossine bee community (Hymenoptera, Apidae) of an Atlantic Forest remnant in southeastern Brazil. Euglossine bees, attracted to scent baits of cineole, eugenol and vanillin, were collected with entomological nets, from December 1998 to November 1999. Samplings were carried out once a month simultaneously by two collectors positioned in two different sites in an Atlantic Forest remnant in northeastern São Paulo state, Brazil. A total of 859 male euglossine bees, belonging to 13 species and four Euglossini genera were collected. Of the total sample, 506 (12 species) males were captured at site A and 353 (10 species) were collected at site B.In both sites, Euglossa pleosticta Dressler, 1982 was the most abundant species (45.79 percent), followed by Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 (20.79 percent). The results of this study supply new information about the diversity of orchid bee fauna in Atlantic Forest remnants as well as show that more than one site is needed to sample these bees in a fragmented landascape.
Diversidade de abelhas Euglossini (Hymenoptera, Apidae) em um remanescente de Floresta Atlântica no sudeste do Brasil. Abelhas Euglossini, atraídas às iscas odoríferas de cineol, eugenol e vanilina foram coletadas com rede entomológica durante os meses de dezembro de 1998 a novembro de 1999, em um remanescente de Floresta Atlântica localizado no nordeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. As amostragens foram realizadas, uma vez ao mês, simultaneamente por dois coletores posicionados em dois pontos distintos na área de estudo. No total, 859 machos pertencentes a 13 espécies e quatro gêneros foram coletados em ambos os sítios. Do total de abelhas amostradas, 506 (12 espécies) foram capturadas no sítio A e 353 (10 espécies) no sítio B. Em ambos os sítios, Euglossa pleosticta Dressler, 1982 foi a espécie mais abundante (45,79 por cento), seguida por Eulaema nigrita Lepeletier, 1841 (20,79 por cento). Os resultados deste estudo fornecem informações adicionais sobre a diversidade das abelhas das orquídeas em remanescentes de Floresta Atlântica, bem como mostram que mais de um ponto de amostragem se faz necessário para se obter informações mais precisas sobre as comunidades de Euglossini em paisagens fragmentadas.
RESUMO
Dentre as abelhas solitárias brasileiras que nidificam em ninhos-armadilha, as espécies de Centris são as mais freqüentes. Essas abelhas são importantes polinizadoras de plantas nativas e cultivadas. Estudos sobre a nidificação desses polinizadores são fundamentais para traçar alternativas de manejo dessas abelhas. O presente trabalho teve como objetivos verificar a porcentagem de ocupação e as dimensões dos ninhos-armadilha utilizados por Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata e Centris (Hemisiella) vittata. O estudo foi conduzido em duas áreas do Triângulo Mineiro onde foram utilizados gomos de bambu como ninhos-armadilha, inspecionados mensalmente, de janeiro a outubro de 2006. Foram registradas 35 fundações de C. tarsata e 12 de C. vittata. As medidas de comprimento e diâmetro dos ninhos ocupados por C. tarsata, variaram de 1,5 a 11,4 cm e de 0,54 a 1,69 cm, respectivamente, e o número de células de um a dez. Para C. vittata, as mesmas medidas variaram de 4,7 a 20,5 cm e de 1,06 a 1,87 cm, e o número de células de dois a nove. Ambas as espécies construíram suas células com uma mistura de areia e óleo e dispostas linearmente. Essas espécies são polinizadoras da aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata, Malpighiaceae), e a introdução de ninhos-armadilha próximos às áreas de cultivo pode incrementar as populações dessas abelhas e aumentar as taxas de polinização natural.
Centris species are the most frequent Brazilian solitary bees that nesting in trap-nests. These ones are important pollinators of wild and cultivated plants. Studies about the nesting biology of these pollinators are essential in order to trace management alternatives of these bees. The present work aimed to verify the percentage of occupation and structure of the trap-nests used by Centris (Hemisiella) tarsata and Centris (Hemisiella) vittata. The study was carried out in two areas of the Triângulo Mineiro, where bamboo canes had been used as trap-nests. They were inspected monthly, from January to October 2006. It was verified 35 nests of C. tarsata and 12 of C. vittata. The length and diameter measurements of trap-nest occupied by C. tarsata varied from 1.5 to 11.4 cm and 0.54 to 1.69 cm, respectively and the number of cells constructed ranged from one to ten. For C. vittata, the length and diameter measurements ranged from 4.7 to 20.5 cm and 1.06 to 1.87 cm, respectively, and the number of cells ranged from two to nine. These species construct their cells linearly with a mixture of sand and oil. Therefore, C. tarsata can also constructed their nests with two parallel rows of cells. Since these two species are the West Indian Cherrys pollinators, the introduction of trap-nests near to the culture areas, could increase these pollinators populations and the natural pollination rates.
Assuntos
Animais , Abelhas , Comportamento de Nidação , PólenRESUMO
A aceroleira (Malpighia emarginata DC, Malpighiaceae) é uma planta de importância econômicacultivada no Brasil, cujo fruto é muito consumido por seu alto teor de vitamina C. O presente estudo teve como objetivos identificar os polinizadores efetivos dessa planta e propor ações de conservação dessas espécies. O trabalho foi realizado na Fazenda Água Limpa, em Uberlândia, MG, no decorrer dos meses de outubro de 2005 a fevereiro de 2006. Foram observadas 25 espécies de abelhas incluídas nas tribos Centridini, Meliponini e Tetrapediini. As espécies de Centridinirepresentaram 84% do total de abelhas observadas, sendo consideradas as polinizadoras efetivas da aceroleira. Centris (Centris) flavifrons e Centris (Centris) varia foram as espécies mais comumente encontradas, apresentando 21,05% e 18,68% do total de visitas, respectivamente. Das espécies de Centridini, apenas Centris (Centris) varia, Centris (Centris) aenea e Epicharis sp. coletaram pólen, além de óleo. A grande riqueza e freqüência das abelhas da tribo Centridini observada na área de estudo, quando comparada com outros trabalhos, pode estar associada com a presença de remanescentes de Cerrado no entorno do cultivo, os quais oferecem alimento e locais de nidificação.
The West Indian Cherry is largely cultivated in Brazil and its fruit is very consumed due to its high content of natural ascorbic acid. This study aimed to identify the West Indian Cherry`s effective pollinators and to consider action for the conservation of these species. The study was carried out at Água Limpa Farm, Uberlândia, MG,from October 2005 to February 2006. Twenty-five species were observed visiting the flowers, included in the tribesCentridini, Meliponini and Tetrapediini. The Centridini bees had represented 84% of the observed species and they were considered the West Indian Cherrys effective pollinators. Centris (Centris) flavifrons and Centris (Centris) varia were the most commonly observed species, presenting 21.05% and 18.68% of the total bees observed visiting the flowers, respectively. Among the Centridini, only Centris (Centris) varia, Centris (Centris) aenea and Epicharis sp. had collected pollen, beyond oil. The species richness and frequency of the Centridini bees observed in the study area can be associated with the presence of Savanna remnants near the culture, which can offer food and nesting site.
Assuntos
Animais , Ácido Ascórbico , Abelhas , Pradaria , Malpighiaceae , PólenRESUMO
A tribo Euglossini é composta por abelhas típicas de matas tropicais úmidas, mas poucos estudos têm sido feitos estimando parâmetros ecológicos desse grupo em outras fitofisionomias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar a diversidade de Euglossini em áreas de cerrado sentido restrito, próximas ao município de Uberlândia-MG. Foram realizadas coletas na Reserva Ecológica do Clube Caça e Pesca Itororó (CCPIU) e na Estação Ecológica do Panga (EEP),entre outubro de 2003 e setembro de 2004. No total foram coletadas 213 abelhas pertencentes a nove espécies. Eulaema (Apeulaema) nigrita, Euglossa (Euglossa) melanotricha e Euglossa (Glossura) imperialis foram as espécies mais abundantes. Verificou-se uma baixa similaridade de espécies entre as duas áreas (PS=0,409).
Euglossini are typical bees of humid tropical forest, but few studies have been made estimating ecological parameters of this group in the others phytophysionomics. This work aimed to study the diversity of the Euglossini in cerrado areas, near of Uberlândia city-MG. Collections were carried out in the Ecological Reserve of the Club Caça e Pesca Itororó (CCPIU) and in the Ecological Station of the Panga (EEP), from October of 2003 to Septemberof 2004. A total of 213 bees of nine species were collected. Eulaema (Apeulaema) nigrita, Euglossa (Euglossa) melanotricha and Euglossa (Glossura) imperialis were the most abundant species. A low similarity of species was verified between the two areas (PS=0,409).
Assuntos
Animais , Abelhas , Biodiversidade , Brasil , Variação Genética , PradariaRESUMO
A identificação das espécies de abelhas e suas relações com as plantas são importantes para conhecer os polinizadores e traçar estratégias de exploração racional dos recursos naturais. Esse estudo teve como objetivo analisar a amplitude e a similaridade na utilização de recursos alimentares pelas espécies mais abundantes de abelhas eussociais, analisando a sobreposição de nicho entre Apis mellifera e as espécies de Meliponina. O trabalho foi realizado em uma área de Cerrado, na Fazenda Santa Cecília, localizada na cidade de Patrocínio Paulista, estado de São Paulo, no período de outubro de 1999 a setembro de 2000. Foi coletado um total de 798 abelhas eussociais, dentre elas 607 pertencentes à subtribo Meliponina e 191 a subtribo Apina. As espécies mais abundantes somaram 84,20% do total e foram representadas por Apis mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona spinipes, Scaptotrigona postica e Paratrigona lineata. Essas abelhas visitaram com maior freqüência as plantas: Gochnatia barrosii, Byrsonima intermedia, Eupatorium squalidum e Serjania reticulata. A espécie que apresentou maior abundância foi Apis mellifera. Trigona spinipes apresentou maior amplitude de nicho e maior uniformidade na exploração dos recursos. A maior similaridade no uso de recursos florais, ocorreu entre Trigona spinipes e Scaptorigona postica e entre Tetragonisca angustula e Paratrigonalineata. Esses resultados sugerem uma possível competição por recursos alimentares entre essas espécies. Foi observada uma baixa sobreposição na utilização dos recursos entre Apis mellifera e as espécies de Meliponina.
The identification of the species of bees and their relationships with the plants are important to ascertain the pollinators and to draw strategies of rational exploration of natural resources. This study has had as its objective to analyze the width and the similarity in the use of alimentary resources for the most abundant species of eusocial bees, analyzing the niche overlap between Apis mellifera and the species of Meliponina. The work was realized in a Cerrado area, in Fazenda Santa Cecília, located in Patrocínio Paulista/SP, from the period of October of 1999 to September of 2000. A total of 798 eusocial bees were collected, among them 607 belonging the subtribo Meliponina and 191 the subtribo Apina. The most abundant species added 84,20% of the total and they were represented by Apis mellifera, Tetragonisca angustula, Trigona spinipes, Scaptotrigona postica and Paratrigona lineata. These bees visited the plants more frequently: Gochnatia barrosii, Byrsonima intermedia, Eupatorium squalidum and Serjania reticulata. The species that was presented in greater abundance was Apis mellifera. Trigona spinipes presented larger niche width and largeruniformity in the exploration of the resources. The largest similarity in the use of floral resources occurred betweenTrigona spinipes and Scaptorigona postica and between Tetragonisca angustula and Paratrigona lineata. These results suggest a possibility of competition for alimentary resources among these species. It was observed low overlap in the utilization of resources between Apis mellifera and the species of Meliponina.