Standardized guidelines for Africanized honeybee venom production needed for development of new apilic antivenom.

Africanized bees have spread across the Americas since 1956 and consequently resulted in human and animal deaths attributed to massive attacks related to exposure from Argentina to the USA. In Brazil, more than 100,000 accidents were registered in the last 5 years with a total of 303 deaths. To treat such massive attacks, Brazilian researchers developed the first specific antivenom against Africanized honey bee sting exposure. This unique product, the first of its kind in the world, has been safely tested in 20 patients during a Phase 2 clinical trial. To develop the antivenom, a standardized process was undertaken to extract primary venom antigens from the Africanized bees for immunization of serum-producing horses. This process involved extracting, purifying, fractionating, characterizing, and identifying the venom (apitoxin) employing mass spectrometry to generate standardized antigen for hyperimmunization of horses using the major toxins (melittin and its isoforms and phospholipase A2). The current guide describes standardization of the entire production chain of venom antigens in compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP) required by regulatory agencies. Emphasis is placed upon the welfare of bees and horses during this process, as well as the development of a new biopharmaceutical to ultimately save lives.

Influence of apitoxin and melittin from Apis mellifera bee on Staphylococcus aureus strains.

The antibacterial activities of apitoxin, a venom produced by Apis mellifera bee, and melittin, an antimicrobial peptide from apitoxin, were tested against planktonic and biofilm states of Staphylococcus aureus methicillin-resistant (MRSA), including clinical, and enterotoxin-producing isolates. Also, the synergism of apitoxin and melittin in combination with oxacillin were evaluated as well. The induced morphological changes on S. aureus cells of both products were detected by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were 7.2 µg/mL, and 6.7 µg/mL, for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values were 28.7 µg/mL, and 26 µg/mL for apitoxin and melittin, respectively. The time-kill curve assays of apitoxin or melittin with oxacillin exhibited bactericidal synergism against MRSA isolates. TEM images showed cell distortion, cell disintegration with leakage of cytoplasmic content and loss of cytoplasm content. However, apitoxin and melittin did not interfere with staphylococcal enterotoxin production or release. Thus, apitoxin and melittin are potential agents against MRSA that can serve as possible models for new antibacterial drugs.

Intake of imidacloprid in lethal and sublethal doses alters gene expression in Apis mellifera bees.

Bees are important pollinators for ecosystems and agriculture; however, populations have suffered a decline that may be associated with several factors, including habitat loss, climate change, increased vulnerability to diseases and parasites and use of pesticides. The extensive use of neonicotinoids, including imidacloprid, as agricultural pesticides, leads to their persistence in the environment and accumulation in bees, pollen, nectar, and honey, thereby inducing deleterious effects. Forager honey bees face significant exposure to pesticide residues while searching for resources outside the hive, particularly systemic pesticides like imidacloprid. In this study, 360 Apis mellifera bees, twenty-one days old (supposed to be in the forager phase) previously marked were fed syrup (honey and water, 1:1 m/v) containing a lethal dose (0.081 µg/bee) or sublethal dose (0.00081 µg/bee) of imidacloprid. The syrup was provided in plastic troughs, with 250 µL added per trough onto each plastic Petri dish containing 5 bees (50 µL per bee). The bees were kept in the plastic Petri dishes inside an incubator, and after 1 and 4 h of ingestion, the bees were euthanised and stored in an ultra-freezer (-80 °C) for transcriptome analysis. Following the 1-h ingestion of imidacloprid, 1516 genes (73 from lethal dose; 1509 from sublethal dose) showed differential expression compared to the control, while after 4 h, 758 genes (733 from lethal dose; 25 from sublethal) exhibited differential expression compared to the control. All differentially expressed genes found in the brain tissue transcripts of forager bees were categorised based on gene ontology into functional groups encompassing biological processes, molecular functions, and cellular components. These analyses revealed that sublethal doses might be capable of altering more genes than lethal doses, potentially associated with a phenomenon known as insecticide-induced hormesis. Alterations in genes related to areas such as the immune system, nutritional metabolism, detoxification system, circadian rhythm, odour detection, foraging activity, and memory in bees were present after exposure to the pesticide. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of both lethal and sublethal doses of imidacloprid, thereby providing valuable insights for establishing public policies regarding the use of neonicotinoids, which are directly implicated in the compromised health of Apis mellifera bees.

Validation of a Questionnaire for Equine Personality Assessement.

We propose a practical method of assessing the personality of horses using five personality axes. Four evaluators empirically judged 19 horse individuals on specific adjectives for each axis. To validate the questionnaire, four behavioral tests were conducted with these same animals (social interactions, novel object test, bridge test,and arena test). In this tests, the frequency of specific behaviors were evaluated to create a scale related to the same personality adjectives and judge the animals based on their reactions.The questionnaire was reliable in determining the personality of horses, since the results were consistent with those obtained through behavioral tests. Additionally, in this group of horses attention reactions were more frequent than fear reactions, but significant differences occurred among tests. This study proposes a practical questionnaire for owners and trainers to assess the personality of their horses. The application of this tool can improve the relationship between humans and horses, directing a more empathic approach in the everyday routine with these animals.

Supplementation with an Inorganic Zinc Source in the Metalloproteomic Profile of Royal Jelly in Apis mellifera L.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of royal jelly produced by honeybees Apis mellifera supplemented with different concentrations of inorganic zinc (zinc sulfate monohydrate-0, 25, 50, and 75 ppm). Two-dimensional electrophoresis for the fractionation of royal jelly proteins was performed, and the zinc level was quantified by the flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) technique. Proteins were identified by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI MS MS). Analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test (P < 0.05) was used. Supplementation with the mineral zinc positively affected the quantification of proteins for treatments 50 and 75 ppm. However, all treatments independent of zinc concentrations showed fewer protein spots when compared to the control. All zinc-containing proteins were classified as major royal jelly proteins (MRJPs). The exposure of nursing bees to the mineral zinc in its inorganic form reduced the expression of six different MRJPs involved in larval and glands development of nursing bees (MRJP1, MRJP2, MRJP3, MRJP5, and MRJP7), however promoted an increase in the expression of royal jelly proteins involved in defense systems (MRJP8 and MRJP9). The results demonstrate that vital proteins and metabolic processes are impaired in nursing bees exposed to the mineral zinc in its inorganic form in all doses used affecting nutrition and maintenance of colonies.

New nanostructured silica adjuvant (SBA-15) employed to produce antivenom in young sheep using Crotalus durissus terrificus and Apis mellifera venoms detoxified by cobalt-60.

Equine antivenom is considered the only treatment for animal-generated envenomations, but it is costly. The study aimed to produce Apis mellifera (Africanized honeybee) and Crotalus durissus terrificus (C.d.t.) antivenoms using nanostructured silica (SBA-15) as adjuvant and cobalt-60 ((60)Co)-detoxified venoms utilizing young sheep. Natural and (60)Co-irradiated venoms were employed in four different hyperimmunization protocols. Thus, 8 groups of 60- to 90-d-old sheep were hyperimmunized, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) serum titers collected every 14 d were assessed clinically daily, and individual weight were measured, until d 84. Incomplete Freund's (IFA) and nanostructured silica (SBA15) adjuvants were compared. The lethal dose (LD(50)) for both venoms was determined following intraperitoneal (ip) administration to mice. High-performance liquid chromatography on reversed phase (HPLC-RP) was used also to measure the (60)Co irradiation effects on Apis venom. At the end of the study, sheep were killed in a slaughterhouse. Kidneys were histologically analyzed. LD(50) was 5.97 mg/kg Apis and 0.07 mg/kg C.d.t. for native compared to 13.44 mg/kg Apis and 0.35 mg/kg C.d.t. for irradiated venoms. HPLC revealed significant differences in chromatographic profiles between native and irradiated Apis venoms. Native venom plus IFA compared with SBA-15 showed significantly higher antibody titers for both venoms. Apis-irradiated venom plus IFA or SBA-15 displayed similar antibody titers but were significantly lower when compared with native venom plus IFA. Weight gain did not differ significantly among all groups. (60)Co irradiation decreased toxicity and maintained venom immunogenic capacity, while IFA produced higher antibody titers. SBA-15 was able to act as an adjuvant without producing adverse effects. Hyperimmunization did not affect sheep weight gain, which would considerably reduce the cost of antiserum production, as these sheep were still approved for human consumption even after being subjected to hyperimmunization.

Supplementation with an Inorganic Iron Source Modulates the Metalloproteomic Profile of the Royal Jelly Produced by Apis mellifera L.

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of the royal jelly produced by Apis mellifera bees in the presence of different iron concentrations (ferrous sulfate heptahydrate-0, 25, 50, and 100 mg L-1). Two-dimensional electrophoresis was used for the fractionation of royal jelly proteins, and iron level was quantified using flame atomic absorption spectrometry technique. The proteins were identified using electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry. Analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test (P < 0.05) was utilised. Dietary supplementation with mineral Fe affected the protein content and number of proteins in the experimental period. Further, the diet containing the highest iron concentration showed a greater number of spots containing iron, as well as in the abdomen of the bees. The most protein containing Fe were classified as major royal jelly proteins. These results showed that Fe influenced the quality of royal jelly and can improve its nutritional value.

Characterization of Coffea arabica monofloral honey from Espírito Santo, Brazil.

In this study, samples of coffee honey produced in Espírito Santo State, Brazil, were characterized based on their melissopalynology, physicochemical and nutritional properties, and mineral and caffeine contents. The caffeine content in the nectar from coffee flowers was measured by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blends of honey were obtained from three Coffea arabica crops, each with 10 colonies of Africanized Apis mellifera. All honey samples contained monofloral (75-78%) pollen belonging to C. arabica. Physicochemical parameters (total acidity, pH, moisture, dry matter, ash, and qualitative hydroxymethylfurfural) were within the approved limits established by EU legislation. Coffee honey contains high levels of ascorbic acid (294.68 mg kg(-1)) and low amounts of total flavonoids (3.51 ± 0.18 mg QE kg(-1)). The most abundant minerals were potassium and calcium (962.59 ± 154.3 and 343.75 ± 25.56 mg kg(-1), respectively). The caffeine content in coffee nectar (1.64 mg kg(-1)) was approximately 8-fold lower than that in honey (12.02 ± 0.81 mg kg(-1)).

Fipronil promotes motor and behavioral changes in honey bees (Apis mellifera) and affects the development of colonies exposed to sublethal doses.

Bees play a crucial role in pollination and generate honey and other hive products; therefore, their worldwide decline is cause for concern. New broad-spectrum systemic insecticides such as fipronil can harm bees and their use has been discussed as a potential threat to bees' survival. In the present study, the authors evaluate the in vitro toxicity of fipronil and note behavioral and motor activity changes in Africanized adult Apis mellifera that ingest or come into contact with lethal or sublethal doses of fipronil. The effects of sublethal doses on brood viability, population growth, behavior, and the expression of the defensin 1 gene in adult bees were studied in colonies fed with contaminated sugar syrup (8 µg fipronil L(-1) ). Fipronil is highly toxic to bees triggering agitation, seizures, tremors, and paralysis. Bees that are exposed to a lethal or sublethal doses showed reduced motor activity. The number of eggs that hatched, the area occupied by worker eggs, and the number of larvae and pupae that developed were reduced, adult bees showed lethargy, and colonies were abandoned when they were exposed to sublethal doses of fipronil. No change was seen in the bees' expression of defensin 1. The authors conclude that fipronil is highly toxic to honey bees and even sublethal doses may negatively affect the development and maintenance of colonies.

Analysis of the honey color range from homogenized honeys of different colorations obtained from Apis mellifera

Beekeeping is an activity of low environmental impact, meeting the requirements for economic, social and sustainable development. Among the products produced by bees, honey is the greatest consumption. The color of honey is correlated with their floral origin, processing and storage, climatic factors during the flow of nectar, the temperature at which the honey ripens in the hive. Among the criteria adopted by consumers of honey, the main thing is the color of the product. The Brazilian honeys have a huge color variation, which may influence consumer preference. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of homogenization of different honeys in the final coloring benefited honey and processed in the industry. The research was conducted in the laboratory of physicochemical analyzes of Breyer & CIA LTDA company, located on highway PR 447, Km 0.6 municipality of União da Vitória, PR, Brazil. The company provided 20 samples of honey. The reading of the color band was performed with the aid of a colorimeter Hanna HI 96785. The honeys with different color bands were homogenized between them in proportions of 25%, 50% and 75%. From the 20 primary samples, 60 samples of honey homogenized were reproduced. The reading of the 60 samples was held and only 13 homogenized samples showed to be compatible or close to the expected results. The other 48 samples showed different results

Efects of the sazonality and method of collection on the production of propolis essential oil / Efeito da sazonalidade e método de coleta na produção de óleo essencial de própolis

Studies on essential oils of Brazilian propolis indicated the existence of significant differences in their qualitative composition. These differences may be influenced by the seasons and the production method. This work aims to evaluate the composition of essential oil from propolis produced in different seasons and collection method (shim, smart propolis collector and  plastic screen) on propolis collected by bees Apis mellifera. Fifteen hives of africanized bees Apis mellifera, housed in standard Langstroth hives, were randomly distributed and managed for the exclusively production of propolis. Before the beginning of the experiment, the nests were standardized as to the number of frames and creates. Five bee hives were randomly selected for each method of propolis production in the following treatments: T1- smart propolis collector (SPC); T2- plastic screen and T3- shim. The propolis were collected monthly in each treatment, and were cleaned, mixed and stored until the moment of the analysis of extraction of essential oil. Essential oil extraction was performed by hydrodistillation using Clevenger apparatus in a period of six hours. The oil extracted was split into aliquots and stored at 4-6C, and was subjected to chemical analysis by means of mass spectrometer coupled to a gas chromatograph (GC-MS), SHIMAZU brand, model QP5050A. The identifications of substances were made

O artigo não apresenta resumo em português.

Pesticides in the propolis at São Saulo State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i4.15859 / Pesticides in the propolis at São Saulo State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i4.15859

The increasing demand for propolis has caused a raise in its production. However, an increasingly pesticide-dependent agriculture is a great concern with regard to bees, their produce and environmental contamination. Current analysis evaluates the presence of pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, herbicides, fungicides and acaricides) in samples of propolis from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Beekeepers from several localities in the state provided samples of propolis (50), which were collected, stored in non-toxic plastic bags and maintained in a freezer for analyses. Possible pesticide residues were examined by gas chromatography method but no pesticide residues were detected in the examined propolis samples. Propolis analyzed in the state of São Paulo did not show any pesticide contamination.

The increasing demand for propolis has caused a raise in its production. However, an increasingly pesticide-dependent agriculture is a great concern with regard to bees, their produce and environmental contamination. Current analysis evaluates the presence of pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, herbicides, fungicides and acaricides) in samples of propolis from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Beekeepers from several localities in the state provided samples of propolis (50), which were collected, stored in non-toxic plastic bags and maintained in a freezer for analyses. Possible pesticide residues were examined by gas chromatography method but no pesticide residues were detected in the examined propolis samples. Propolis analyzed in the state of São Paulo did not show any pesticide contamination.

Quality parameters of honey samples of Apis mellifera L. colletd in São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul States, Brazil / Avaliação de parâmetros de qualidade de amostras de méis de Apis mellifera L. coletados nos Estados de São Paulo e Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

This work aimed to evaluate the quality of 31 honey samples of Apis mellifera L. from São Paulo (28) and Mato Grosso do Sul States (3), Brazil, through physical-chemical analyses (diastase yeast, free acidity, pH, hidroximethylfurfural (HMF) and humidity). All samples show values according Brazilian legislation to diastase yeats and free acidity. Six samples to HMF and one for humidity show values above the to legislation patterns and the pH of samples show slightly acid. Most of the honey samples analyzed are in agreement with the patterns quality parameters in the legislation for the five evaluated parameters, showing the good quality of Brazilian honey.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade de 31 amostras de méis de abelhas Apis mellifera L. provenientes dos Estados de São Paulo (28) e Mato Grosso do Sul (3), por meio de análises físico-químicas (pesquisa de fermentos diastásicos, acidez livre, pH, hidroximetilfurfural - HMF e umidade). Todas as amostras apresentaram valores dentro do estabelecido pela legisla- ção brasileira para pesquisa de fermentos diastásicos e acidez livre, seis amostras para HMF e uma para umidade apresentaram valores acima do estabelecido pela legislação brasileira, e o pH das amostras apresentou-se ligeiramente ácido. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a maioria das amostras de méis analisadas está de acordo com os padrões de qualidade estabelecidos pela legislação em vigor, para os cinco parâmetros avaliados, evidenciando a adequada qualidade das amostras de mel analisadas.

Synergistic effect of propolis and antibiotics on the Salmonella Typhi

The goal of this work was to investigate a possible synergistic effect between ethanolic extracts of propolis from Brazil and Bulgaria and some antibiotics (Amoxicillin, Ampicillin and Cefalexin) against Salmonella Typhi. Brazilian and Bulgarian propolis showed an antibacterial action, but the sample from Bulgaria was shown to be more efficient. Both samples showed a similar synergistic effect with these antibiotics. One may conclude that the propolis samples show an important antibacterial action, as well as a synergistic effect with antibiotics against Salmonella Typhi.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi investigar um possível efeito sinérgico entre extrato alcoólico de própolis do Brasil e Bulgária com alguns antibióticos (Amoxilina, Ampicilina e Cefalexina) utilizados contra Salmonella Typhi. Própolis do Brasil e Bulgária mostraram uma atividade antibacteriana, embora a amostra da Bulgária tenha sido mais eficiente. Ambas as amostras apresentaram um efeito sinérgico com os antibióticos estudados. Pode-se concluir que as amostras de própolis possuem atividade antibacteriana, bem como apresentam efeito sinérgico com antibióticos utilizados contra Salmonella Typhi.

Propolis productions in hive of africanized Apis mellifera submited to diffetent shading condictions / Produção de própolis em colméias de Apis mellifera africanizadas submetidas a diferentes condições de sombreamento

Several factors were involved in propolis production, as the luminosity. The goal of this research was investigate the propolis production in the africanizated honeybees (Apis mellifera) maintained under controlled conditions of shading. The colonies were individually and artificially shaded with PVC screens, as: 5 colonies without shading, 5 colonies with 50% at shade, 5 colonies with 75% at shade and 5 colonies with 90% of shade. Hives exposed at 90% of shading showed an increased in propolis produtction (79.7± 9.5 g), in comparison with 0% (49.3± 9.8 g), 50% (62.3±17.7 g) and 75% (70.0±13.9 g). Its may conclude that the shading of hives increase the propolis production.

Diversos fatores estão envolvidos na produção de própolis e devem ser observados quando se busca um aumento de produtividade e qualidade, como por exemplo, a luminosidade. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de própolis em colônias de abelhas Apis mellifera africanizadas mantidas sob condições controladas de sombreamento. As colônias utilizadas foram sombreadas individualmente e artificialmente com telas de PVC, sendo distribuídas da seguinte forma: 5 colônias sem sombreamento, 5 colônias com sombra de 50%, 5 colônias com 75% de sombra e 5 colônias com 90% de sombra. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, verificou-se que colméias mantidas com 90% de sombreamento apresentaram produção de própolis significativamente maior (79,7±9,5 g) em comparação com 0% (49,3±9,8 g), 50% (62,3±17,7 g) e 75% de sombreamento (70,0±13,9 g). Desta forma, pode-se concluir que o sombreamento de colméias favorece a produção de própolis em abelhas.

Composition and quality of bee pollen from seven brasilian State and Federal District / Composição e qualidade do pólen apícola proveniente de sete Estados brasileiros e do Distrito Federal

Forty two samples of dehydrated bee pollen from seven brazilian states (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Sergipe and Bahia) and Federal District, were investigated according to its physical-chemical parameters, microbiological, macro and microscopic analyses, as well as the package used. The samples of dehydrated bee pollen were packed into glass (58.82%) or plastic (41.18%), with validity time ranging from six month to three years. The percentage of macroscopic dirtiness was 0.0% to 25.4% and the contaminative particles were intact insect and Apis mellifera, Coleoptera, Anobiidae, larva and propolis fragments. It was also observed fungi on the surface. Microbiological dirtiness were alga, raphides, yeast and acarides. The microbiological analyses shows that: 89.29% of the samples did not show faecal coliformes and 100% of the samples were negative to Salmonella sp. However, 11.76% of the samples were positive to mould and yeast. A biochemical analysis shows variations on total sugar and lipids contents. These results suggest the need of permanent control in the bee pollen chain production and the need to improve the legislation to certify the product quality.

Foram analisadas 42 amostras de pólen apícola desidratado, procedentes de sete diferentes estados brasileiros (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná, São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Sergipe e Bahia) e do Distrito Federal, quanto às propriedades físico-químicas, sujidades macro e microscópicas e microbiológicas, assim como a verificação da embalagem de acondicionamento utilizada. Das embalagens utilizadas para acondicionamento e comercialização do pólen apícola desidratado, 58,82% eram de vidro e 41,18% eram plásticas, com prazos de validade de seis meses a três anos. As sujidades macroscópicas variaram de 0,0% a 25,4% e os contaminantes encontrados foram insetos inteiros e fragmentos de abelhas Apis mellifera, coleópteros da família Anobiidae, larvas e bolotas de própolis. Os elementos microscópicos das sujidades foram algas, ráfides, leveduras e ácaros. Observou-se também o crescimento microbiológico de superfície (fungos). As análises microbiológicas mostraram: 89,29% das amostras com ausência coliforme fecal e 100% negativas para Salmonella sp. Porém, 11,76% das amostras apresentavam índices de bolores e leveduras maiores que 13,0x103 UFC g-1. A partir das análises físico-químicas pôde-se verificar uma ampla faixa de variação nos teores de açúcares totais e teor de lipídios. Considerando os resultados encontrados no presente estudo, verifica-se a necessidade de controle permane

Physical-chemical analysis of ethanolic extract of propolis / Análises físico-quimicas do extrato alcoóico de própolis

The goal of this study was to investigate the physical-chemical parameters of propolis samples from Goiás, Paraná and São Paulo State (twenty two samples). Ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) were prepared (30 g of propolis in 100 mL of ethanol 70%) and the analysis performed were dry residue (%), pH, flavonoids contents (%) and antioxidant property (seconds). Differences were observed between the EEP suggesting a necessity of standardization propolis production as well as technical qualification of producers.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar parâmetros físico-químicos de vinte e duas amostras de própolis, provenientes dos Estados de Goiás, Paraná e São Paulo. Para isto, extratos alcoólicos de própolis (EAP) foram preparados (30 gramas de própolis em 100 mL de etanol 70%) e as seguintes análises realizadas: extrato seco (%), pH, flavonóides totais (%) e propriedade antioxidante (segundos). Foram observadas variações entre os EAP, sugerindo a necessidade de padronização nas técnicas de produção de própolis bem como capacitação técnica dos produtores quanto às boas práticas de produção.

Pesticides in the propolis at São Saulo State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i4.15859 / Pesticides in the propolis at São Saulo State, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actascianimsci.v34i4.15859

The increasing demand for propolis has caused a raise in its production. However, an increasingly pesticide-dependent agriculture is a great concern with regard to bees, their produce and environmental contamination. Current analysis evaluates the presence of pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, herbicides, fungicides and acaricides) in samples of propolis from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Beekeepers from several localities in the state provided samples of propolis (50), which were collected, stored in non-toxic plastic bags and maintained in a freezer for analyses. Possible pesticide residues were examined by gas chromatography method but no pesticide residues were detected in the examined propolis samples. Propolis analyzed in the state of São Paulo did not show any pesticide contamination.

The increasing demand for propolis has caused a raise in its production. However, an increasingly pesticide-dependent agriculture is a great concern with regard to bees, their produce and environmental contamination. Current analysis evaluates the presence of pesticides (organochlorines, organophosphates, pyrethroids, carbamates, herbicides, fungicides and acaricides) in samples of propolis from the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Beekeepers from several localities in the state provided samples of propolis (50), which were collected, stored in non-toxic plastic bags and maintained in a freezer for analyses. Possible pesticide residues were examined by gas chromatography method but no pesticide residues were detected in the examined propolis samples. Propolis analyzed in the state of São Paulo did not show any pesticide contamination.

Propolis and vegetable wax in the conservation of Hass avocado / Própolis e cera vegetal na conservação de abacate Hass

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of Hass avocado submitted to application of propolis and vegetable wax. The selected fruits were submitted to the treatments (1) without wax and without propolis, (2) with vegetable wax, (3) propolis alcoholic extract 100%, (4) wax and etanol 70%, (5) propolis alcoholic extract 2% and wax, (6) propolis alcoholic extract 4% and wax, (7) propolis alcoholic extract 6% and wax, (8) propolis alcoholic extract 8% and wax, and (9) propolis alcoholic extract 10% and wax. The fruits were maintained under refrigeration (10 ± 1 ºC and 90 ± 5% relative humidity), being appraised every three days for 15 days and more 3 days of commercialization simulation at room temperature (23± 1 ºC and 18% relative humidity).The evaluation parameters were the weight loss, respiratory activity, pH, firmness, tritable acidity (AT), soluble solids (SS), and ratio. The results of weigth loss, respiratory activity and firmness were the most significant to show the difference among the treatments. Hass avocado fruits submitted the application of propolis associated the vegetable wax present smaller weight loss, CO2 production and firmness in relation to the control fruits. The fruits of the treatment with propolis alcoholic extract 2% and wax presented the most promising results.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a aplicação de própolis e cera vegetal na qualidade pós-colheita do abacate Hass. Os frutos selecionados foram submetidos aos tratamentos (1) sem cera e sem própolis, (2) com cera vegetal, (3) extrato alcoólico de própolis 100%, (4) cera e etanol 70%, (5) extrato alcoólico de própolis 2% e cera, (6) extrato alcoólico de própolis 4% e cera, (7) extrato alcoólico de própolis 6% e cera, (8) extrato alcoólico de própolis 8% e cera e (9) extrato alcoólico de própolis 10% e cera. Os frutos foram mantidos sob refrigeração (10 ± 1 ºC e 90 ± 5% umidade relativa), sendo avaliados a cada três dias durante 15 dias e mais 3 dias de simulação de comercialização em temperatura ambiente (23± 1 ºC e 18% umidade relativa). Os parâmetros de avaliação foram a perda de massa, atividade respiratória, pH, firmeza, acidez titulável (AT), sólidos solúveis (SS) e ratio. Os resultados de perda de massa, atividade respiratória e firmeza foram os mais significativos para mostrando diferença entre os tratamentos. Frutos de abacate Hass submetidos à aplicação de própolis associado a cera vegetal apresentam menor perda massa, produção de CO2 e firmeza em relação aos frutos controle. Os frutos do tratamento com extrato alcoólico de própolis 2% e cera apresentaram os resultados mais promissores.

Propolis and vegetable wax in the conservation of Hass avocado / Própolis e cera vegetal na conservação de abacate Hass

The aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of Hass avocado submitted to application of propolis and vegetable wax. The selected fruits were submitted to the treatments (1) without wax and without propolis, (2) with vegetable wax, (3) propolis alcoholic extract 100%, (4) wax and etanol 70%, (5) propolis alcoholic extract 2% and wax, (6) propolis alcoholic extract 4% and wax, (7) propolis alcoholic extract 6% and wax, (8) propolis alcoholic extract 8% and wax, and (9) propolis alcoholic extract 10% and wax. The fruits were maintained under refrigeration (10 ± 1 ºC and 90 ± 5% relative humidity), being appraised every three days for 15 days and more 3 days of commercialization simulation at room temperature (23± 1 ºC and 18% relative humidity).The evaluation parameters were the weight loss, respiratory activity, pH, firmness, tritable acidity (AT), soluble solids (SS), and ratio. The results of weigth loss, respiratory activity and firmness were the most significant to show the difference among the treatments. Hass avocado fruits submitted the application of propolis associated the vegetable wax present smaller weight loss, CO2 production and firmness in relation to the control fruits. The fruits of the treatment with propolis alcoholic extract 2% and wax presented the most promising results.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a aplicação de própolis e cera vegetal na qualidade pós-colheita do abacate Hass. Os frutos selecionados foram submetidos aos tratamentos (1) sem cera e sem própolis, (2) com cera vegetal, (3) extrato alcoólico de própolis 100%, (4) cera e etanol 70%, (5) extrato alcoólico de própolis 2% e cera, (6) extrato alcoólico de própolis 4% e cera, (7) extrato alcoólico de própolis 6% e cera, (8) extrato alcoólico de própolis 8% e cera e (9) extrato alcoólico de própolis 10% e cera. Os frutos foram mantidos sob refrigeração (10 ± 1 ºC e 90 ± 5% umidade relativa), sendo avaliados a cada três dias durante 15 dias e mais 3 dias de simulação de comercialização em temperatura ambiente (23± 1 ºC e 18% umidade relativa). Os parâmetros de avaliação foram a perda de massa, atividade respiratória, pH, firmeza, acidez titulável (AT), sólidos solúveis (SS) e ratio. Os resultados de perda de massa, atividade respiratória e firmeza foram os mais significativos para mostrando diferença entre os tratamentos. Frutos de abacate Hass submetidos à aplicação de própolis associado a cera vegetal apresentam menor perda massa, produção de CO2 e firmeza em relação aos frutos controle. Os frutos do tratamento com extrato alcoólico de própolis 2% e cera apresentaram os resultados mais promissores.