Abstract Beekeepers need to identify melliferous flora (MF) in those areas where apiaries are established because bees (Apis mellifera) depend on these floral resources for food and honey production. The objective of the study was to analyze the socio-ecological aspects of beekeeping, considering the knowledge of the melliferous flora by the producers in the Costa Chica region of Guerrero (GCC), Mexico. A non-probabilistic convenience sampling was carried out. The final sample consisted of 75 surveyed beekeepers. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used for data analysis; botanical collections were made to identify the species cited. Beekeeping is traditional (5-50 hives), the average age was 48 yr, with 10 years of schooling and 12 yr of experience. Producers mentioned 33 MF species (26 native and seven cultivated) belonging to 16 botanical families. In addition, they classified them by their use as nectapolliniferous (14 species), polliniferous (10), and nectariferous (9). It was recorded that native species flower during the winter (herbaceous) and spring (trees), coinciding with the honey harvest season, while cultivated species flower during the rainy season (summer) and are an important resource during the post-harvest season. GCC beekeepers registered low knowledge of the vegetation surrounding their apiaries, but have a high knowledge of the main MF species, finding that the older they are, the more knowledge they have about the MF species that bees use in their food (nectar or pollen).

Resumen La identificación de flora melífera (FM) en las áreas donde se establecen apiarios es necesaria para los apicultores, debido a que las abejas (Apis mellifera) dependen de estos recursos florales para su alimentación y producción de miel. El objetivo del estudio fue analizar los aspectos socio-ecológicos de la apicultura, considerando los conocimientos de la flora melífera de los productores en la Costa Chica de Guerrero (CCG), México. Se realizó un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia. La muestra final fue de 75 apicultores encuestados. Para el análisis de los datos se utilizó estadística descriptiva y tablas cruzadas; se realizaron recolectas botánicas para identificar las especies citadas. La apicultura es tradicional (5-50 colmenas), la edad promedio fue 48 años, con 10 años de escolaridad y 12 años de experiencia. Los productores mencionaron 33 especies de FM (26 nativas y siete cultivadas), pertenecientes a 16 familias botánicas. Además, por su uso, las clasificaron en nectapoliníferas (14 especies), poliníferas (10) y nectaríferas (9). Se registró que las especies nativas florecen durante el invierno (herbáceas) y primavera (árboles), lo que coincide con la época de cosecha de miel, mientras que las especies cultivadas florecen en épocas de lluvias (verano) y son un recurso importante en épocas de postcosecha. Los apicultores de la CCG registraron bajo conocimiento de la vegetación circundante a sus apiarios, pero tienen un alto conocimiento de las principales especies de FM, encontrándose que, a mayor edad, mayor conocimiento sobre las especies de FM que las abejas utilizan en su alimentación (néctar o polen).

Resumo: A loque americana (AL) (Paenibacillus larvae) é uma doença bacteriana que afeta as abelhas (Apis mellifera), principalmente na fase larval, podendo causar sérios efeitos na saúde das colmeias. Os esporos podem permanecer latentes no mel sem desenvolver sintomas, por isso é possível isolá-los de colmeias aparentemente saudáveis. A presença de esporos no mel também é uma limitação importante para o comércio internacional. No Uruguai esta doença está atualmente com baixa prevalência. O objetivo deste trabalho foi monitorar o mel na região leste-nordeste do país, regiões onde nunca foram relatados casos clínicos desta doença. Durante a safra 2021-2022 (setembro-fevereiro), foram coletadas amostras de mel (n=80) dos departamentos de Rivera, Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Rocha, Lavalleja e Maldonado. Em nenhuma das amostras foram isoladas colônias de P. larvae. Os resultados indicam que é possível estabelecer zonas livres de LA. Atividades de pesquisa e extensão com apicultores são essenciais para manter e desenvolver boas práticas apícolas ligadas à sanidade das abelhas, bem como obter méis diferenciados que possam ter melhores condições de exportação para mercados específicos.

Resumen: La loque americana (LA) (Paenibacillus larvae) es una enfermedad bacteriana que afecta a las abejas (Apis mellifera), en particular a la etapa larvaria, y puede causar graves efectos sobre la salud de las colmenas. Las esporas pueden mantenerse en forma latente en la miel sin desarrollar síntomas, por lo que es posible realizar su aislamiento en colmenas aparentemente sanas. La presencia de esporas en miel constituye además una importante limitación para el comercio internacional. En el Uruguay esta enfermedad se encuentra, en la actualidad, con una baja prevalencia. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue realizar el monitoreo de mieles en la zona este-noreste del país, regiones donde nunca se han reportado casos clínicos de esta enfermedad. Durante la zafra 2021-2022 (setiembre-febrero) se colectaron muestras de miel (n=80) en los departamentos de Rivera, Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Rocha, Lavalleja y Maldonado. En ninguna de las muestras se aislaron colonias de P. larvae. Los resultados indican que es posible establecer zonas libres de LA. Las actividades de investigación y extensión con los apicultores son fundamentales para mantener y desarrollar buenas prácticas apícolas vinculadas a la sanidad de las abejas, así como para la obtención de mieles diferenciadas que puedan tener mejores condiciones para la exportación a mercados específicos.

Abstract: American foulbrood (AF) (Paenibacillus larvae) is a bacterial disease that affects bees (Apis mellifera), particularly their larvae stage, and can cause serious effects on the health of hives. The spores can remain latent in honey without developing symptoms, so it is possible to isolate the bacteria from apparently healthy colonies. The presence of spores in honey is also an important limitation for international trade. In Uruguay this disease is currently with a low prevalence. The objective of this work was to made an AF surveillance of honey in the east-northeast area of the country, where clinical cases of this disease have never been reported. During the 2021-2022 harvest season (September-February), honey samples (n=80) were collected from the departments of Rivera, Cerro Largo, Treinta y Tres, Rocha, Lavalleja and Maldonado. In none of the honey samples were isolated colonies of P. larvae. The results indicate that it is possible to establish AF-free zones. Research and extension activities with beekeepers are essential to maintain and develop good beekeeping practices linked to the health of bees, as well as to obtain differentiated honeys that may have better conditions for export to specific markets.

ABSTRACT The present study was carried out in the municipality of Oporapa, department of Huila. The purpose of the research was to characterize the socioeconomic and commercial dynamics of beekeeping in the municipality, for which surveys, field visits and interviews were used as information collection tools. The socioeconomic characterization of the households that practice beekeeping was carried out, finding that 85% of beekeepers are men, 90% are adults, 70% have a basic primary level of education, 95% are peasants, 95% have land and 95% carry out beekeeping in rural areas. In addition, the production and marketing system was characterized, finding that 80% of the producers carry out technical management, that on average beekeepers have 9 hives, beekeepers 8 and have been carrying out these practices for 7.5 years.

RESUMEN El presente estudio se realizó en el municipio de Oporapa departamento del Huila. El propósito de la investigación fue caracterizar la dinámica socioeconómica y comercial de la crianza de abejas en el municipio, para lo cual se utilizaron encuestas, visitas de campo y entrevistas como herramientas de recolección de la información. Se realizó la caracterización socioeconómica de los hogares que practican la crianza de abejas encontrando que, el 85% de los criadores de abejas son hombres, el 90% son adultos, el 70% presentan un nivel de escolaridad de básica primaria, el 95% son campesinos, el 95% tienen predio y el 95% realiza la crianza de abejas en zonas rurales. Además, se caracterizó el sistema de producción y comercialización encontrando que el 80% de los productores realizan manejo tecnificado, que en promedio los apicultores tienen 9 colmenas, los meliponicultores 8 y llevan 7,5 años realizando estas prácticas.

Resumen La investigación tuvo como objetivo estimar y analizar tanto el óptimo económico como la elasticidad de los insumos para la producción de miel de abeja, a través de la función tipo Cobb-Douglas. La información se obtuvo por medio de una encuesta directa a productores apícolas del Estado de Aguascalientes. Los resultados muestran que la combinación óptima económica para un kilogramo de miel fue 1.045 kg de alimento y 0.084 jornales, para una ganancia máxima de 45.38 $/kg de miel. Además, la función de producción presentó economías crecientes a escala, mientras la elasticidad de sustitución entre los insumos, alimento y jornales, fue elástica. La función de tipo Cobb-Douglas permite medir la rentabilidad y productividad en la apicultura.

Abstract In beekeeping, honey yield and profits are affected by multiple variables, the influence of which can vary by region. A Cobb-Douglas function was applied to data from a direct survey of beekeepers in the state of Aguascalientes, Mexico, to estimate and analyze the economic optimum and input elasticity in honey production. The optimal economic combination for production of one kilogram of honey was 1.045 kg supplementary feed and 0.084 days labor, which generate a maximum profit of $45.38 pesos/kg honey. The production function also identified increasing economies of scale, while substitution elasticity between the inputs supplementary feed and labor was elastic. Application of a Cobb-Douglas type function effectively estimated beekeeping profitability and productivity in the study area.

Resumen Antecedentes: En la región de la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Abra Tanchipa, la apicultura es una alternativa de producción sostenible. Su manejo, requiere conocer la riqueza, distribución y fenología de la flora melífera. Preguntas: ¿Cuáles son las especies melíferas del paisaje aledaño a la Reserva? ¿Cuál es su origen, forma de crecimiento, fenología y distribución? ¿Cómo es la riqueza en áreas naturales y perturbadas? Sitio y periodo de estudio: Área de influencia a la Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra del Abra Tanchipa, San Luis Potosí, México, agosto 2020 - marzo 2022. Métodos: Se recolectaron especies melíferas mensualmente en radios de pecoreo de seis apiarios, en diferentes tipos de vegetación. Se registró su forma de crecimiento, origen, recurso floral y fenología. Se comparó riqueza y composición de especies entre tipos de vegetación de áreas naturales y perturbadas. Resultados: Se registraron 191 especies melíferas; 91 nectaríferas, 16 poliníferas y 84 néctar-poliníferas. Fabaceae es la familia más representativa. La floración abunda en junio y septiembre, disminuye en enero y abril. El 49 % de especies habitan exclusivamente áreas perturbadas, 29 % áreas naturales, 22 % ambas. En áreas naturales 100 % son nativas, en áreas perturbadas 86 % son nativas y 14 % introducidas; en áreas naturales 70 % son árboles y en áreas perturbadas 57 % son hierbas. Conclusiones: La región presenta una gran riqueza de flora melífera nativa. La información generada permitirá a los apicultores mejorar el manejo de sus colmenas y valorar las áreas naturales de pecoreo.

Abstract Background: Beekeeping is an alternative for sustainable production in Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve region. Knowing richness of melliferous flora, its distribution and flowering season, improves its management. Questions: Which are the species of melliferous flora in the surrounding landscape of the Reserve? Which is its origin, growth form, floral resource, phenology and distribution? How is species richness in natural areas and disturbed areas? Study site and period: Influence area of Sierra del Abra Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve, San Luis Potosí, Mexico, between August 2020 to March 2022. Methods: Melliferous flora species were collected monthly in bee foraging radius of six apiaries, in different types of vegetation. Data was taken from growth form, origin, floral resource offered, and phenology. Species richness and composition were compared between vegetation types from natural and disturbed areas. Results: 191 melliferous species were recorded; 91 nectariferous, 16 polliniferous and 84 nectar-polliniferous. Fabaceae is the most representative family. Flowering increases in June and September, decreases in January and April. Forty nine percent of species exclusively inhabit disturbed areas, 29 % natural areas and 22 % both. In natural areas 100 % are native while in disturbed areas 14 % are introduced and 86 % native. In natural areas 70 % are trees while in disturbed areas 57 % are herbs. Conclusions: The region has a great richness of native melliferous flora. The information generated will allow beekeepers to have a better management of their hives and to value the natural areas of foraging.

Abstract Soybean varieties with indeterminate growth habit are widely used in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul and are characterized by not having well-defined phenological stages. Due to the importance of bee conservation, studies on the frequency and time of visitation in indeterminate soybean are needed. Samples were collected in a 4-ha plot of soybeans not treated with insecticides. Sampling was carried out at random spots, throughout the flowering period, starting at 08h:00min, during 15 min/hour, successively until 16h:00min. Generalized Linear Models were generated and the Poisson regression model provided the best fit, reflecting the significant differences revealed by the deviance analysis. The association between bees and climatic variables was tested with the Spearman’s correlation. The temporal pattern of bee visitation was independently influenced by flowering period and time of day. However climatic variables did not influence significantly bee visitation rate. In the first days of flowering, bees were more abundant, especially between 10h and 15h. These results have practical implications in the maintenance of this species during soybean management practices, contributing to a balanced coexistence between beekeepers and soybean growers, by avoiding applications of phytosanitary products during the periods of high bee visitation. welldefined well defined stages conservation needed 4ha ha 4 insecticides spots 08h00min, 08h00min hmin 08h 00min, 00min h min 08h:00min 1 minhour hour min/hour 16h00min. 16h00min 16h 00min. 16h:00min fit analysis Spearmans Spearman s correlation day rate abundant 15h practices growers

Insect gut microbes have a disproportionate effect on their hosts, including the honey bee, Apis mellifera L. The honey bee gut, and that of other species that have been investigated, harbours a specific gut community that is conserved across populations globally. However, this gut community changes between different castes, sexes and life stages, which is largely due to diet and gut physiology. Evidence suggests that a healthy gut community is essential for honey bees to maintain functional immunity and nutrition. Without the four important gut symbionts (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Snodgrassella alvi and Gilliamella apicola), honey bees lack the ability to gain sufficient nutrients, protect themselves against pathogens and prevent intoxication. Unfortunately, honey bee gut symbionts are under threat due to in-hive pesticides, antibiotics and climate change. Therefore, we discourage the overuse of antibiotics and in-hive pesticides, as they could have unforeseen consequences for the honey bee gut microbiota. Instead, we recommend that beekeepers and scientists explore alternative options, such as bolstering honey bee resilience through probiotics.

RESUMEN La finalidad de este estudio consiste en analizar la miel de abeja en Chile para proponer lineamientos estratégicos que permitan contribuir a la gestión del sector apícola chileno. Para ello, la metodología utilizada es un estudio de caso, para lo cual se aplica en el año 2021 una encuesta a 84 consumidores y a 40 apicultores de la Región del Biobío en Chile. Los resultados del estudio permiten apreciar que el 38% de los apicultores se dedica hace más de 10 años a la producción de miel y el 50% senala que aprendió solo del rubro, siendo las principales dificultades enfrentadas la organización y el tiempo, la sanidad y nutrición. Además, el 42% de los apicultores plantean que el cambio climático, las plagas y sequías afectaron la producción de la miel entre un 0 y 20%. Mientras que el 30% de los consumidores encuestados considera como prioridad el prestigio o reputación del producto. Se concluye la relevancia de los lineamientos estratégicos para guiar el desarrollo de la cadena de la miel en Chile y se recomienda su implementación para el fortalecimiento del sector apícola a nivel nacional e internacional. СLASIFICACIÓN JEL: 170, 013

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a análise das abelhas no Chile a fim de propor diretrizes estratégicas que contribuam para a gestão do setor apícola chileno. Para este fim, a metodologia utilizada é um estudo de caso, para o qual foi realizada uma pesquisa com 84 consumidores e 40 apicultores na Região de Biobío, no Chile, em 2021. Os resultados do estudo mostram que 38% dos apicultores estão envolvidos na produção de mel há mais de 10 anos e 50% dizem que só aprenderam sobre o negócio, sendo as principais dificuldades a organização e o tempo, a saúde e a nutrição. Além disso, 42% dos apicultores dizem que a mudança climática, as pragas e as secas afetaram a produção de mel em 0-20%. Enquanto 30% dos consumidores pesquisados consideram o prestígio ou a reputação do produto como prioridade. A relevância das diretrizes estratégicas para orientar o desenvolvimento da cadeia do mel no Chile está concluída e sua implementação é recomendada para o fortalecimento do setor apícola a nível nacional e internacional. CLASSIFICAÇÃO JEL: 170, 013

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to analyze bee honey in Chile to propose strategic guidelines that allow contributing to the management of the Chilean beekeeping sector For this, the methodology used is a case study for which a survey of 84 consumers and 40 beekeepers of the Biobío Region in Chile is applied in 2021. The results of the study allow us to appreciate that 38% of beekeepers have been dedicated to honey production for more than 10 years and 50% indicate that they only learned about the field, the main difficulties faced being organization and time, health and nutrition. In addition, 42% of beekeepers indicate that climate change, plagues and droughts affected honey production between 0 and 20%. While 30% of consumers surveyed consider the prestige or reputation of the product as a priority. The relevance of the strategic guidelines to guide the development of the honey chain in Chile is concluded and its implementation is recommended for the strengthening of the beekeeping sector at a national and international level. JEL CLASSIFICATION: 170, 013

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Propolis has been considered a highly valuable material due to its therapeutic properties. However, in Colombia, the commercialization of propolis is limited not only by low production but also by the little knowledge about its efficient extraction. Therefore, finding an optimal and economical extraction method to obtain propolis is a necessity for beekeepers that would open new possibilities for industrial use and, therefore, for the market. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate a conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction method, seeking to obtain the highest yield and a high amount of content of bioactive compounds in propolis extracts. METHODS: The extraction was carried out for three crude propolis from different types of bees: Tetragonisca angustula or Angelita (ANG), Melipona eburnea or Melipona (MEL), and Scaptotrigona spp (SCT). The extracts were characterized by color, pH, visual appearance, solid content, antioxidant capacity, total polyphenol content, and bacterial inhibition capacity. RESULTS: The highest extraction performance was obtained when the ultrasound-assisted method was used, especially for the ANG extract, which in addition to presenting inhibition for gram-negative (E. coli) and gram-positive (S. Aureus) bacteria, had the best antioxidant activity with a value of 545 mg GAE / 100 g of sample and total polyphenol content of 1,884 mg GAE / 100 g of sample. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-assisted extraction can be considered a low-cost alternative to increase the extraction performance of crude propolis, together with its total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity, without altering its physical properties.

RESUMEN ANTECEDENTES: El propóleos ha sido considerado un material de alto valor por sus propiedades terapéuticas. Sin embargo, en Colombia la comercialización de propóleos está limitada no solo por la baja producción sino también por el incipiente conocimiento sobre la extracción eficiente de este. Por ello, encontrar un método de extracción óptimo y económico para la obtención de propóleos es una necesidad para los apicultores que abriría nuevas posibilidades para el uso industrial y por tanto para el mercado. OBJETIVOS: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar un método de extracción convencional y asistido por ultrasonido (US) buscando el mayor rendimiento y alto contenido de compuestos bioactivos en extractos de propóleos. MÉTODOS: La extracción se realizó para tres propóleos crudos de diferentes tipos de abejas Tetragonisca angustula o Angelita (ANG), Melipona eburnea o Melipona (MEL) y Scaptotrigona spp (SCT). Todos los extractos se caracterizaron por su color, pH, apariencia visual, contenido de sólidos, capacidad antioxidante, contenido total de polifenoles y capacidad de inhibición bacteriana. RESULTADOS: El mayor rendimiento de extracción se obtuvo cuando se usó el método asistido por ultrasonido y específicamente para el extracto ANG, que además de presentar inhibición para bacterias gram negativas (E. coli) y gram positivas (S. Aureus), tuvo la mejor actividad antioxidante con un valor de 545 mg GAE / 100 g de muestra y contenido total de polifenoles de 1884 mg GAE / 100 g de muestra. CONCLUSIONES: La extracción asistida por ultrasonido puede considerarse una alternativa de bajo costo para aumentar el rendimiento de extracción del propóleos crudo, así como su contenido total de polifenoles y capacidad antioxidante sin alterar sus propiedades físicas.

RESUMEN La apicultura, a nivel mundial, es de gran importancia, por el desempeño que realizan las abejas, como agentes polinizadores del 75 % de los cultivos, que garantizan la seguridad alimentaria de millones de personas. En Colombia, el sector apícola contribuye al fortalecimiento de la economía campesina y promueve la conservación de diferentes ecosistemas estratégicos. Respecto al municipio de Fortul, Arauca, cuenta con una importante zona de reserva forestal y una amplia variabilidad de ecosistemas, aptos para el desarrollo de la apicultura, actividad que, actualmente, se desarrolla por la asociación “Panaldemiel”, la cual, requiere un acompañamiento y fortalecimiento de las capacidades organizacionales y gerenciales. Es así, que el objeto de la presente investigación es “fortalecer la gestión administrativa de la Asociación de Apicultores “Panaldemiel”, del municipio de Fortul, Arauca”, estudio soportado en el método de investigación Acción-participación, bajo la estrategia de estudio de caso, que permite analizar la problemática en un contexto real, facilitando la obtención de información necesaria, para la formulación de herramientas estratégicas, encaminadas a dinamizar el proceso productivo y competitivo de la asociación, en el ámbito local y regional. Se concluye, que la asociación cuenta con un alto porcentaje de aspectos positivos internos y externos que la respalda, de manera significativa; sin embargo, se requiere de un compromiso gubernamental para mitigar la coyuntura de orden público que se vive en esta región.

ABSTRACT Beekeeping worldwide is of great importance for the performance of bees as pollinating agents of 75 % of the crops that guarantee the food security of millions of people. In Colombia, the beekeeping sector contributes to the strengthening of the peasant economy and promotes the conservation of different strategic ecosystems. With respect to the municipality of Fortul-Arauca has an important forest reserve area and wide variability of ecosystems suitable for the development of beekeeping, an activity that is currently developed by the association "Panaldemiel", which requires an accompaniment and strengthening of organizational and managerial capacities, so the purpose of this research is "to strengthen the administrative management of the Association of Beekeepers "Panaldemiel" of the municipality of Fortul-Arauca" study supported by the Action-participation research method, under the case study strategy, which allows analyzing the problem in a real context, facilitating the obtaining of information necessary for the formulation of strategic tools aimed at boosting the productive and competitive process of the association at the local and regional level. It is concluded that the association has a high percentage of internal and external positive aspects that support it significantly, however, a government compromise is required to mitigate the situation of public order that is lived in this region.

Abstract Beekeeping generates currencies for Mexico, however, Tabasco ranks 25th in national production. The municipality of Comalcalco has agroecological resources with beekeeping potential. In order to analyze the socioeconomic and technical aspects of beekeeping, 11 beekeepers were interviewed, classifying them into four strata. The apiaries were georeferenced for geoprocessing. Africanization was determined by mtDNA in drones. The average age of the beekeepers was 48 years, with 8 years of experience, detecting that beekeeping is not their main economic activity. Honey yield was 46.2 kg Colony−1 higher than the state average (37 kg Colony−1). The mtDNA analysis identified 100% Africanization, possibly due to the fact that the annual replacement of queen bees of European origin does not take place. Four contrasting agroecosystems were identified. The results found indicate that it is necessary to implement strategies for the sustainable use of beekeeping and generational germplasm in the entity.

Resumen La apicultura genera divisas para México, sin embargo, Tabasco ocupa el 25vo lugar en producción a nivel nacional. El municipio de Comalcalco, posee recursos agroecológicos con potencial apícola. Con el objetivo de analizar los aspectos socioeconómicos y técnicos de la apicultura, se entrevistaron 11 apicultores, clasificándolos en cuatro estratos. Los apiarios fueron georreferenciados para geoprocesamiento. Se determinó la africanización mediante ADNmt en zánganos. La edad promedio de los apicultores fue 48 años, con 8 años de experiencia, detectando que la apicultura no es su principal actividad económica. El rendimiento de miel fue de 46.2 kg Colonia−1 mayor al promedio estatal (37 kg Colonia−1). El análisis del ADNmt identificó 100% de africanización, posiblemente debido a que el cambio anual de abejas reinas de origen europeo no se realiza. Se identificaron cuatro agroecosistemas contrastantes. Los resultados encontrados indican que se requiere implementar estrategias para el aprovechamiento sustentable del germoplasma apícola y generacional en la entidad.

RESUMO Os levantamentos florísticos possibilitam ao apicultor determinar a época de permanência de colmeias em determinado local por meio da determinação das floradas. Objetivou-se realizar o levantamento florístico de remanescentes de mata nativa da região e de áreas de recuperação florestal para fins de conservação e produção, com o intuito de auxiliar os apicultores locais a definirem estratégias de exploração racional e de conservação dos remanescentes florestais e áreas de reflorestamento do Oeste paranaense. O levantamento das plantas foi realizado nas Estações Experimentais (EE) de Entre Rios do Oeste (ERO) e de Marechal Cândido Rondon (MCR), ambas vinculadas à Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná (Unioeste) e no Refúgio Biológico de Santa Helena (RB-SH), que é uma Área de Relevante Interesse Ecológico (ARIE). Nas EE da Unioeste, MCR e ERO, foi delimitada, para cada ponto, uma área de 20 metros x 5 metros, pelo método de parcelas de áreas fixas retangulares e realizada a coleta de cada espécie em fase reprodutiva. Para mapeamento das áreas de coleta de plantas, foram georreferenciados quatro pontos em cada estação. As coletas foram quinzenais e mensais de dezembro de 2017 a novembro de 2019. No RB-SH, o método utilizado foi o de caminhamento nas trilhas ecológicas pré-existentes no local e o levantamento foi realizado por meio de coletas quinzenais de amostras botânicas em fase reprodutiva entre os meses de agosto de 2017 a junho de 2018. Foram coletadas 173 plantas, das quais 121 foram identificadas, sendo 103 em nível de espécie, nove em nível de gênero e nove em nível de família, pertencentes a 41 famílias botânicas. O índice de Shannon-Wiener (H’) geral foi de 3,15 nats indivíduo-1, sendo os valores encontrados de 2,30 nats indivíduo-1 em MCR; 2,94 nats indivíduo-1 em ERO e 4,22 nats indivíduo-1 no RB-SH. Com relação aos índices de similaridade, o menor valor foi observado entre as áreas amostradas de RB-SH e MCR e o maior entre ERO e RB-SH. Conclui-se que as famílias botânicas Poaceae e Myrtaceae foram representativas nos méis analisados, sendo identificados nas amostras de mel de Apis mellifera os tipos polínicos Myrceugenia euosma, Urochloa arrecta, Triticum aestivum, Albizia niopoides, Avena sativa e Eugenia uniflora.

ABSTRACT Floristic surveys make it possible for the beekeeper to determine the time of permanence of hives in a given location by determining the flowering. The objective was to carry out the floristic survey of remnants of a native forest in the region and areas of forest recovery for the purposes of conservation and production, in order to assist local beekeepers to define strategies for rational exploration and conservation of forest remnants and reforestation areas from western Paraná state. The plant surveys were carried out at the Experimental Stations (EE) of Entre Rios do Oeste (ERO) and Marechal Cândido Rondon (MCR), both linked to the State University of Western Paraná (Unioeste) and at the Biological Refuge of Santa Helena (RB-SH), which is an Area of Relevant Ecological Interest (ARIE). At the EE of Unioeste, MCR and ERO, an area of 20 meters x 5 meters was delimited for each point, by the method of plots of fixed rectangular areas, and the collection of each species in the reproductive phase was carried out. To map plant collection areas, four points were georeferenced in each season. The collections were biweekly and monthly from December 2017 to November 2019. At RB-SH the method used was to walk the pre-existing ecological trails at the site and the survey was carried out by means of biweekly collections of botanical samples in the reproductive phase, between August 2017 and June 2018. One hundred and seventy-three (173) plants were collected, 121 of which were identified, 103 at the species level, nine at the genus level and nine at the family level, belonging to 41 botanical families. The general Shannon-Wiener index (H’) was 3.15 nats individual-1, with the values found being 2.30 nats individual-1 in MCR; 2.94 nats individual-1 in ERO and 4.22 nats individual-1 in RB-SH. Regarding similarity indices, the lowest value was observed between the sampled areas of RB-SH and MCR and the highest between ERO and RB-SH. It is concluded that the botanical families Poaceae and Myrtaceae, were representative in the analyzed honeys, being identified in the honey samples of Apis mellifera the pollen types Myrceugenia euosma, Urochloa arrecta, Triticum aestivum, Albizia niopoides, Avena sativa and Eugenia uniflora.

ABSTRACT: For honey production, beekeepers add one or more supers to the hives to allow honeybees to store their products. However, the increase in hive space can affect the social and health organization in the colony, promoting stress. This study assessed the management of honey production, physicochemical honey properties, population development, and forages immune system gene expression patterns to be used as biomarker for monitoring beekeeping welfare. The treatments comprised 40 beehives divided in four treatments. Treatment 1 - control, supers added according to storage necessity. Treatments 2, 3, and 4 presented two, three, and four supers at the beginning of the experiment, respectively. T1 presented greater honey production (39.4 % increased). No difference in open brood area in the colonies was observed and honey properties and only T2 showed closed brood area higher than the other treatments. Foragers from T4 showed higher catalase and defensin gene expression at the middle-end experiment. Thus, the increasing internal space at the beginning of honey season can affect honey production and immune system of foragers. Catalase and defensin can be used as biomarkers for monitoring honey production welfare.

ABSTRACT Colony infestation caused by Varroa destructor is a major concern in the apiculture industry because it often results in production losses and reduced colony survival. Over the years, several diagnostic methods have been developed to estimate Varroa infestation levels in a colony, being Soapy Water Washing (SWW) and Sugar Shake (SS) the most widely used methods. However, the effectiveness and sensitivity of the latter remain unclear. This represents a potential risk for beekeepers who use SS as it could lead them to underestimate the infestation level of their colonies, potentially delaying treatment application. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and sensitivity of SS as compared to the "gold standard" SWW, for the detection of V. destructor in adult bees. Ninty-nine samples were collected and divided into 3 groups according to infestation rate (IR): low (<3%); medium (3.01-5.0%); and high (>5.01%). It was found that the SS and SWW methods showed 76.6% and 100% effectiveness of mite removal, respectively (p< 0.05). The sensitivity of SS was lower as compared to SWW. In samples with a low IR, 5 of them resulted in false negatives and 23 had a poorly estimated IR. This did not occur in samples with a medium or high IR. Our results suggest that the SS method is less efficient in detecting and removing phoretic mites in adult bee samples, which can underestimate Varroa infestation levels, especially when the number of mites is low.

RESUMO 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.

ABSTRACT 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.