Weyder Santana - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Weyder Santana

Research paper thumbnail of Detecção de patógenos de Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) em mel com PCR multiplex e seu uso em amostras brasileiras

Several pathogens attack the bees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world, such ... more Several pathogens attack the bees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world, such as the bacteria Paenibacillus larvae and the fungi Ascosphaera apis, Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Their distributions in some parts of the world, such as Brazil, are not fully known not only because of the difficulty of collecting samples such as in our large country, but also because of the time and the cost of diagnosis techniques involved. The analyze of the presence of the spores of honeybee pathogens in honey has shown to be a good strategy for epidemiological studies and early detection before the expression of symptoms in the colony. Therefore it is important the standardizantion of techniques for rapid diagnosis to facilitate the safe performance of the epidemiological surveys, and controlling the spread of these microorganisms. Here, we it was standardized a multiplex PCR technique for simultaneous detection of four pathogens of A. mellifera: A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae in honey. This technique was used in honey samples from some Brazilian states. Sterile honey samples (20 mL) were artificially contaminated with all selected pathogens. These positive samples were diluted in 30 mL sterile water followed by centrifugation. DNA from pellet was extracted using a commercial kit. A Multiplex PCR was standardized using specific primers and a common melting temperature. Recommendations of national legislation were used for preparation of honey solutions submitted to the developed technique. Also it were prepared samples of honey collected from brood area, extracted honey from supers by beekeepers and acquired from different commercial establishments used to validate the multiplex PCR, as well as to conduct a preliminary assessment of the distribution of pathogens (A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae). The standard technique of this study was effective for diagnosing of the four pathogens in honey of A. mellifera: A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae. Primers used in both PCR reactions (monospecific and multiplex) for DNA amplification of the target pathogens were precise and sensitive, resulting in products of expected sizes. The formation of nonspecific fragments and/or other artificial PCR products was not observed in multiplex PCR reactions. Thus, this method was suitable for simultaneous detection of the selected pathogens of A. mellifera extracted from honey, and probably can be used in other hive products with minor modifications. The selected pathogens were not found in the honey samples analyzed with this multiplex PCR standardized.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy and Residual Toxicity of Insecticides on Plutella xylostella and Their Selectivity to the Predator Solenopsis saevissima

Insects, Jan 17, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Fermentação de pólen apícola para alimentação de abelhas Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um alimento proteico adequado para a especie Nannotrigo... more O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um alimento proteico adequado para a especie Nannotrigona testaceicornis mediante fermentacao natural ou induzida por leveduras isoladas do polen. Inicialmente preparou-se uma matriz com solucao de mel e polen. A mistura foi homogeneizada e aquecida ate fervura. Esta matriz foi tratada por meio de fermentacao natural ou induzida, a 28 oC. Foram obtidas quatro dietas distintas: dieta fermentada com inoculo isolado seguida de pasteurizacao; dieta fermentada com inoculo isolado nao pasteurizada; dieta fermentada com inoculo natural seguida de pasteurizacao; e dieta fermentada com inoculo natural nao pasteurizada. As dietas foram administradas as abelhas de duas colonias de N. testaceicornis , em laboratorio, com dez abelhas operarias, sendo duas repeticoes para cada dieta. As medias de consumo das dietas com inoculo natural foram maiores, sendo que a dieta do inoculo natural pasteurizada apresentou um consumo de 7,05±0,11 mg por abelha, o que l...

Research paper thumbnail of Late Nitrogen Supplementation Partially Recovers Failed Fermentation During Mead Production

Research paper thumbnail of Uso de múltiplas metodologias de coleta no levantamento de abelhas solitárias em uma região do semiárido brasileiro

Journal of Education, Science and Health, Nov 8, 2022

Resumo: A Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, na Bahia, Brasil, resguarda uma parcela importa... more Resumo: A Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, na Bahia, Brasil, resguarda uma parcela importante da diversidade fitofisionômica da vegetação da Caatinga. A sazonalidade climática é uma característica marcante deste bioma e por isso, pode exercer influência direta na atividade das abelhas. Este trabalho objetiva, levantar a fauna de abelhas solitárias que nidificam em cavidades em três áreas de paisagem distintas do bioma Caatinga na Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, Bahia, a partir de duas metodologias distintas. Foi utilizada uma metodologia múltipla de amostragem com o uso de ninhos-armadilha e rede entomológica nos períodos seco e chuvoso. Foram amostrados 52 indivíduos, distribuídos em 9 espécies, 3 gêneros. O gênero Centris foi o mais abundante, com 63% do total de abelhas amostradas. Não foi possível inferir seguramente quanto à ocorrência de padrões sazonais de nidificação das espécies de abelhas na área de estudo. No entanto, os dados relacionados à composição de espécies em época de estiagem intensificada podem ser utilizados na identificação de potenciais polinizadores de culturas agrícolas do semiárido.

Research paper thumbnail of FLIGHT ACTIVITY OF Tetragona clavipes

The Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius, 1804) bees, knowing as “borá”, is found in all Brazil country ... more The Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius, 1804) bees, knowing as “borá”, is found in all Brazil country until south of Parana state. However in the São Paulo state, this species is not very common. Our main aim was, in São Paulo University Campus at Ribeirão Preto, to realize the characterization of the flight activity of this bee, showing possible relations some environmental factors, such as temperature, relative humidity and “A” type ultraviolet radiation. Data were obtained during September and October months (Spring) and showed that there is a high correlation between the start and finish of the flight activity and environmental temperature. However the UVA radiation and specially air relative humidity did not show relevant role on this behavior and they were considered secondary factors. KEYWODS: Flight activity. Tetrágona. Meliponini. Temperature. Ultraviolet radiation. Relative humidity.

Research paper thumbnail of Karyotype diversity of stingless bees of the genus Frieseomelitta (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)

Frieseomelitta (Ihering, 1912) is a genus of stingless bees, distributed in the Nearctic and Neot... more Frieseomelitta (Ihering, 1912) is a genus of stingless bees, distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Specimens can be found in forests, cerrado, caatinga and mountainous regions. This genus has 16 species, of which 13 are recorded in Brazil. Cytogenetics has contributed to evolutionary studies of some Hymenoptera groups and although many Frieseomelitta species have been described, few species have been studied cytogenetically. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the karyotype diversity of this genus, seeking to understand the possible evolutionary mechanisms that occurred in the diversification of the karyotype of this genus. Frieseomelitta portoi and Frieseomelitta trichocerata and Frieseomelitta doederleini showed diploid karyotypes with 2n = 30 chromosomes, similarly to all the species previously analyzed in the genus. Unprecedentedly, Frieseomelitta longipes showed 2n = 34. These results confirm that the frequent diploid number of 30 chromosomes...

Research paper thumbnail of Suplementary material from Agrochemical synergism imposes higher risk to neotropical bees than to honeybees

Suplementary material containing the raw data of the concentration-mortality bioassays. The pesti... more Suplementary material containing the raw data of the concentration-mortality bioassays. The pesticide effects on pollinator biodiversity is a global trend that is garnering much concern. Initially, there was significant concern about pesticide-mediated reductions in the number of honey bee pollinators, primarily Apis mellifera in the USA and in some European countries, but those initial concerns have been replaced by a broader concern related to the decline of pollinator bees in general. Here, we evaluated the impact of multiple stressors (e.g., insecticides and fungicides) on Africanized honey bees and stingless bees that are the most important pollinator insects in agriculture landscapes at the Neotropical regions. We demonstrated that the synergistic effects of agrochemicals (e.g., insecticides and fungicides) pose an increased risk to the Neotropical stingless bees Partamona helleri compared to the Africanized A. mellifera, which reinforce the notion that A. mellifera is not a f...

Research paper thumbnail of Ecdysteroids and reproduction in social bees: loss of function at increasing levels of sociality?

Research paper thumbnail of Flavonoides, actividades antibacteriana y antioxidante de propóleos de abejas sin aguijón, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona compressipes, Tetragonisca angustula y Nannotrigona sp. de Brasil y Venezuela

Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis... more Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis from stingless bees, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona compresssipes, Tetragonisca angustula, and Nannotrigona sp. were evaluated using ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) against Gram positives bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. The propolis samples were collected in three locations, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, and Miranda and Guarico states, Venezuela, from November 2003 to April 2004. The results showed that the flavonoid content was very low for all samples, between 0.19 and 0.32%. The antioxidant activity was lower than 22 sec for all samples (3-5 sec of average). The EEP from Melipona quadrifasciata bees showed higher antioxidant activity than the other stingless bees. All EEP showed high antibacterial activity, with an inhibition halo between 11 to 30 mm, against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, for all Brazilian and Venezuelan samples. EEP from Na...

Research paper thumbnail of Flavonoids, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Propolis ofStingless Bees, Melipona quadrifasciata , Melipona compressipes ,Tetragonisca angustula, and Nannotrigona sp. From Brazil andVenezuela

Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis... more Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis from stingless bees, Melipona quadrifasciata , Melipona compressipes , Tetragonisca angustula , and Nannotrigona sp. were evaluated using ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) against Gram positives bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus . The propolis samples were collected in three locations, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, and Miranda and Guarico states, Venezuela, from November 2003 to April 2004. The results showed that the flavonoid content was very low for all samples, between 0.19 and 0.32%. The antioxidant activity was lower than 22 sec for all samples (3-5 sec of average). The EEP from Melipona quadrifasciata bees showed higher antioxidant activity than the other stingless bees. All EEP showed high antibacterial activity, with an inhibition halo between 11 to 30 mm, against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, for all Brazilian and Venezuelan samples. EEP from...

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary material from "Agrochemical synergism imposes higher risk to neotropical bees than to honeybees

Bees are key pollinators whose population numbers are declining, in part, owing to the effects of... more Bees are key pollinators whose population numbers are declining, in part, owing to the effects of different stressors such as insecticides and fungicides. We have analysed the susceptibility of the Africanized honeybee, <i>Apis mellifera</i>, and the stingless bee, <i>Partamona helleri,</i> to commercial formulations of the insecticides deltamethrin and imidacloprid. The toxicity of fungicides based on thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil were investigated individually and in combination, and with the insecticides. Results showed that stingless bees were more susceptible to insecticides than honeybees. The commercial fungicides thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil caused low mortality, regardless of concentration, however their combination was as toxic as imidacloprid to both species, and over 400-fold more toxic than deltamethrin for <i>A. mellifera</i>. There were highly synergistic effects on mortality caused by interactions in the mixture of imidacloprid and the fungicides thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil and the combined fungicide formulation in <i>A. mellifera,</i> and also to a lesser extent in <i>P. helleri</i>. By contrast, mixtures of the deltamethrin and the combined fungicide formulation induced high synergy in <i>P. helleri</i>, but had little effect on the mortality of <i>A. mellifera</i>. Differences in physiology and modes of action of agrochemicals are discussed as key factors underlying the differences in susceptibility to agrochemicals.

Research paper thumbnail of Cuticle melanization and the expression of immune-related genes in the honeybee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) adult workers

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The global decline of bee populations has several factors, including pathogens, which need overco... more The global decline of bee populations has several factors, including pathogens, which need overcome the insect defenses such as the physical barriers, the body cuticle and peritrophic matrix (primary defenses), as well as the secondary defenses with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the enzyme lysozyme. The regulation of immune defenses according to the infection risks raises questions about the immunity of social bees due to their exposition to different pathogens pressures during the adult lifespan and tasks performed. This study evaluated the primary (body cuticle melanization, peritrophic matrix and cpr14 expression) and secondary (AMPs and lysozyme expression) defenses of the honeybee Apis mellifera workers according to the age and tasks. The expression of malvolio was used to detect precocious forage tasks outside the colony. Forager workers have higher amount of cuticular melanization in the body cuticle than nurse, but not when the age effect is retired, indicating the gradual acquisition of this compound in the integument of adult bees. The relative value of chitin in the peritrophic matrix and cpr14 mRNA are similar in all bees evaluated, suggesting that these components of primary defenses do not change according to the task and age. Differential expression of genes for AMPs in workers performing different tasks, within the same age group, indicates that the behavior stimulates expression of genes related to secondary immune defense. The expression of malvolio gene, accelerating the change in workers behavior, and those related to immune defense suggest the investment in secondary defense mechanisms when the primary defense of the body cuticle is not yet completed.

Research paper thumbnail of Extinction of anciently associated gut bacterial symbionts in a clade of stingless bees

The ISME Journal

Animal-microbe symbioses are often stable for millions of years. An example is the clade consisti... more Animal-microbe symbioses are often stable for millions of years. An example is the clade consisting of social corbiculate bees-honeybees, bumblebees, and stingless bees-in which a shared ancestor acquired specialized gut bacteria that subsequently diversified with hosts. This model may be incomplete, however, as few microbiomes have been characterized for stingless bees, which are diverse and ecologically dominant pollinators in the tropics. We surveyed gut microbiomes of Brazilian stingless bees, focusing on the genus Melipona, for which we sampled multiple species and biomes. Strikingly, Melipona lacks Snodgrassella and Gilliamella, bacterial symbionts ubiquitous in other social corbiculate bees. Instead, Melipona species harbor more environmental bacteria and bee-specific Starmerella yeasts. Loss of Snodgrassella and Gilliamella may stem from ecological shifts in Melipona or the acquisition of new symbionts as functional replacements. Our findings demonstrate the value of broadly sampling microbiome biodiversity and show that even ancient symbioses can be lost.

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in innate immune response and detoxification in Melipona quadrifasciata (Apinae: Meliponini) on oral exposure to azadirachtin and spinosad

Apidologie

Exposure to agrochemicals and pathogens has been indicated as critical factors of declining polli... more Exposure to agrochemicals and pathogens has been indicated as critical factors of declining pollinator populations, including species of native tropical bees. In the present study, we investigated the sublethal effects of acute oral exposure to azadirachtin and spinosad bioinsecticides on the expression of immunity-related genes and the number of hemocytes in uninfected and Escherichia coli –infected workers of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata . Expression of the immune-related gene vitellogenin decreased and the number of circulating hemocytes increased in bioinsecticide-exposed uninfected bees and in unexposed E. coli –infected bees as compared with unexposed uninfected bees. Our results show that though bioinsecticides are considered safe, contamination by sublethal doses of azadirachtin and spinosad can interfere with the immune system of bees.

Research paper thumbnail of Sublethal agrochemical exposures can alter honey bees' and Neotropical stingless bees' color preferences, respiration rates, and locomotory responses

Science of The Total Environment

Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native pla... more Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native plants and agricultural crops in the Neotropics. Global concerns about declining bee populations due to agrochemical pollutants have, however, been biased towards the honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. Here, we analysed the unintended effects of commercial formulations of a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, and a fungicide mixture of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil on color preference, respiration rates and group locomotory activities of both P. helleri and A. mellifera. Our results revealed that P. helleri foragers that were not exposed to pesticides changed their color preference during the course of a year. By contrast, we found that pesticide exposure altered the color preference of stingless bees in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, imidacloprid decreased the overall locomotion of both bee species, whereas the fungicide mixture increased locomotion of only stingless bees. The fungicide mixture also reduced respiration rates of forager bees of both species. Forager bees of both species altered their color preference, but not their locomotory and respiration rates, when exposed to commercial formulations of each fungicidal mixture component (i.e., chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl). Our findings emphasize the importance of P. helleri as a model for Neotropical wild pollinator species in pesticide risk assessments, and also the critical importance of including groups of agrochemicals that are often considered to have minimal impact on pollinators, such as fungicides.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of nitrogen supplementation on Saccharomyces cerevisiae JP14 fermentation for mead production

Food Science and Technology, Apr 17, 2020

Honey must supplementation is necessary for mead production due to the deficiency in nitrogen mat... more Honey must supplementation is necessary for mead production due to the deficiency in nitrogen materials in this feedstock, despite its high fermentative sugar content. The nitrogen limitation can halt or slow fermentation and lead to the production of unpleasant sensorial compounds, such as sulfur derivatives. The yeast JP14, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from Jataí bee's pollen, was inoculated in 25 °Brix honey must with-0 (control); 0,3; 0,7 and 1,0 g•L-1-of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and ammonium sulfate (AS). The addition of both supplements resulted in increased cell viability in the first 5 days of fermentation at 20 °C, but did not affect the final acidity of the produced meads. Supplementation also leads to increased sugar consumption, and sugar conversion into ethanol increased as nitrogen supplementation increased, especially with DAP. This indicates that these compounds also regulate yeast metabolic pathways. Supplementary nitrogen acts both in protein anabolism and the gene expression of glycolytic and fermentative pathway components, favoring, in this case, sugar conversion into ethanol. This is the first work describing how different DAP and AS concentrations influences mead production and showing the comparison between these two supplements.

Research paper thumbnail of Selection of yeasts from bee products for alcoholic beverage production

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin and aquaglyceroporin genes have different expression levels in the digestive tract and Malpighian tubules of honey bee nurses and foragers (Apis mellifera)

Journal of Apicultural Research

The major intrinsic protein (MIP) is vital to a fast water transport through cellular membranes. ... more The major intrinsic protein (MIP) is vital to a fast water transport through cellular membranes. Many studies about the insect MIP family, such as aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins, have been published so far, but research on honey bee (Apis mellifera) aquaporins is still poor. Five putative MIPs have been identified for the honey bee. We investigated the expression of one aquaporin and two aquaglyceroporins in the digestive tract and Malpighian tubules of nurses and foragers of A. mellifera. Honey bees were collected and dissected for mRNA extraction followed by cDNA synthesis. qPCR was performed with primers for Am_Eglp 1, Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2, and the reference gene RpL32. The expression profile varied depending on the evaluated organ and honey bee task. The crop of nurse bees showed higher transcript quantities for the three tested genes. In the midgut of nurse workers, Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2 were highly expressed, while Am_Eglp 1 had similar expression level comparing nurses and foragers. In the ileum and rectum, the tested MIPs are highly expressed in forager workers. In Malpighian tubules, Am_Eglp 1 was higher expressed in nurses, whereas Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2 had similar quantities in nurse and foragers. Our findings provide new data for future studies on the role of aquaporin and aquaglyceroporin in the digestion and osmoregulation of A. mellifera.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-embryonic development of the Malpighian tubules in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera) workers: morphology, remodeling, apoptosis, and cell proliferation

Protoplasma, Jan 7, 2017

The honeybee Apis mellifera has ecological and economic importance; however, it experiences a pop... more The honeybee Apis mellifera has ecological and economic importance; however, it experiences a population decline, perhaps due to exposure to toxic compounds, which are excreted by Malpighian tubules. During metamorphosis of A. mellifera, the Malpighian tubules degenerate and are formed de novo. The objective of this work was to verify the cellular events of the Malpighian tubule renewal in the metamorphosis, which are the gradual steps of cell remodeling, determining different cell types and their roles in the excretory activity in A. mellifera. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analyses showed that the cells of the larval Malpighian tubules degenerate by apoptosis and autophagy, and the new Malpighian tubules are formed by cell proliferation. The ultrastructure of the cells in the Malpighian tubules suggest that cellular remodeling only occurs from dark-brown-eyed pupae, indicating the onset of excretion activity in pupal Malpighian tubules. In adult forager workers, two cell ...

Research paper thumbnail of Detecção de patógenos de Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) em mel com PCR multiplex e seu uso em amostras brasileiras

Several pathogens attack the bees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world, such ... more Several pathogens attack the bees Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae) around the world, such as the bacteria Paenibacillus larvae and the fungi Ascosphaera apis, Nosema apis and Nosema ceranae. Their distributions in some parts of the world, such as Brazil, are not fully known not only because of the difficulty of collecting samples such as in our large country, but also because of the time and the cost of diagnosis techniques involved. The analyze of the presence of the spores of honeybee pathogens in honey has shown to be a good strategy for epidemiological studies and early detection before the expression of symptoms in the colony. Therefore it is important the standardizantion of techniques for rapid diagnosis to facilitate the safe performance of the epidemiological surveys, and controlling the spread of these microorganisms. Here, we it was standardized a multiplex PCR technique for simultaneous detection of four pathogens of A. mellifera: A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae in honey. This technique was used in honey samples from some Brazilian states. Sterile honey samples (20 mL) were artificially contaminated with all selected pathogens. These positive samples were diluted in 30 mL sterile water followed by centrifugation. DNA from pellet was extracted using a commercial kit. A Multiplex PCR was standardized using specific primers and a common melting temperature. Recommendations of national legislation were used for preparation of honey solutions submitted to the developed technique. Also it were prepared samples of honey collected from brood area, extracted honey from supers by beekeepers and acquired from different commercial establishments used to validate the multiplex PCR, as well as to conduct a preliminary assessment of the distribution of pathogens (A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae). The standard technique of this study was effective for diagnosing of the four pathogens in honey of A. mellifera: A. apis, N. apis, N. ceranae and P. larvae. Primers used in both PCR reactions (monospecific and multiplex) for DNA amplification of the target pathogens were precise and sensitive, resulting in products of expected sizes. The formation of nonspecific fragments and/or other artificial PCR products was not observed in multiplex PCR reactions. Thus, this method was suitable for simultaneous detection of the selected pathogens of A. mellifera extracted from honey, and probably can be used in other hive products with minor modifications. The selected pathogens were not found in the honey samples analyzed with this multiplex PCR standardized.

Research paper thumbnail of Efficacy and Residual Toxicity of Insecticides on Plutella xylostella and Their Selectivity to the Predator Solenopsis saevissima

Insects, Jan 17, 2023

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Research paper thumbnail of Fermentação de pólen apícola para alimentação de abelhas Nannotrigona testaceicornis Lepeletier (Hymenoptera, Apidae)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um alimento proteico adequado para a especie Nannotrigo... more O objetivo deste trabalho foi desenvolver um alimento proteico adequado para a especie Nannotrigona testaceicornis mediante fermentacao natural ou induzida por leveduras isoladas do polen. Inicialmente preparou-se uma matriz com solucao de mel e polen. A mistura foi homogeneizada e aquecida ate fervura. Esta matriz foi tratada por meio de fermentacao natural ou induzida, a 28 oC. Foram obtidas quatro dietas distintas: dieta fermentada com inoculo isolado seguida de pasteurizacao; dieta fermentada com inoculo isolado nao pasteurizada; dieta fermentada com inoculo natural seguida de pasteurizacao; e dieta fermentada com inoculo natural nao pasteurizada. As dietas foram administradas as abelhas de duas colonias de N. testaceicornis , em laboratorio, com dez abelhas operarias, sendo duas repeticoes para cada dieta. As medias de consumo das dietas com inoculo natural foram maiores, sendo que a dieta do inoculo natural pasteurizada apresentou um consumo de 7,05±0,11 mg por abelha, o que l...

Research paper thumbnail of Late Nitrogen Supplementation Partially Recovers Failed Fermentation During Mead Production

Research paper thumbnail of Uso de múltiplas metodologias de coleta no levantamento de abelhas solitárias em uma região do semiárido brasileiro

Journal of Education, Science and Health, Nov 8, 2022

Resumo: A Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, na Bahia, Brasil, resguarda uma parcela importa... more Resumo: A Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, na Bahia, Brasil, resguarda uma parcela importante da diversidade fitofisionômica da vegetação da Caatinga. A sazonalidade climática é uma característica marcante deste bioma e por isso, pode exercer influência direta na atividade das abelhas. Este trabalho objetiva, levantar a fauna de abelhas solitárias que nidificam em cavidades em três áreas de paisagem distintas do bioma Caatinga na Floresta Nacional Contendas do Sincorá, Bahia, a partir de duas metodologias distintas. Foi utilizada uma metodologia múltipla de amostragem com o uso de ninhos-armadilha e rede entomológica nos períodos seco e chuvoso. Foram amostrados 52 indivíduos, distribuídos em 9 espécies, 3 gêneros. O gênero Centris foi o mais abundante, com 63% do total de abelhas amostradas. Não foi possível inferir seguramente quanto à ocorrência de padrões sazonais de nidificação das espécies de abelhas na área de estudo. No entanto, os dados relacionados à composição de espécies em época de estiagem intensificada podem ser utilizados na identificação de potenciais polinizadores de culturas agrícolas do semiárido.

Research paper thumbnail of FLIGHT ACTIVITY OF Tetragona clavipes

The Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius, 1804) bees, knowing as “borá”, is found in all Brazil country ... more The Tetragona clavipes (Fabricius, 1804) bees, knowing as “borá”, is found in all Brazil country until south of Parana state. However in the São Paulo state, this species is not very common. Our main aim was, in São Paulo University Campus at Ribeirão Preto, to realize the characterization of the flight activity of this bee, showing possible relations some environmental factors, such as temperature, relative humidity and “A” type ultraviolet radiation. Data were obtained during September and October months (Spring) and showed that there is a high correlation between the start and finish of the flight activity and environmental temperature. However the UVA radiation and specially air relative humidity did not show relevant role on this behavior and they were considered secondary factors. KEYWODS: Flight activity. Tetrágona. Meliponini. Temperature. Ultraviolet radiation. Relative humidity.

Research paper thumbnail of Karyotype diversity of stingless bees of the genus Frieseomelitta (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini)

Frieseomelitta (Ihering, 1912) is a genus of stingless bees, distributed in the Nearctic and Neot... more Frieseomelitta (Ihering, 1912) is a genus of stingless bees, distributed in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Specimens can be found in forests, cerrado, caatinga and mountainous regions. This genus has 16 species, of which 13 are recorded in Brazil. Cytogenetics has contributed to evolutionary studies of some Hymenoptera groups and although many Frieseomelitta species have been described, few species have been studied cytogenetically. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of the karyotype diversity of this genus, seeking to understand the possible evolutionary mechanisms that occurred in the diversification of the karyotype of this genus. Frieseomelitta portoi and Frieseomelitta trichocerata and Frieseomelitta doederleini showed diploid karyotypes with 2n = 30 chromosomes, similarly to all the species previously analyzed in the genus. Unprecedentedly, Frieseomelitta longipes showed 2n = 34. These results confirm that the frequent diploid number of 30 chromosomes...

Research paper thumbnail of Suplementary material from Agrochemical synergism imposes higher risk to neotropical bees than to honeybees

Suplementary material containing the raw data of the concentration-mortality bioassays. The pesti... more Suplementary material containing the raw data of the concentration-mortality bioassays. The pesticide effects on pollinator biodiversity is a global trend that is garnering much concern. Initially, there was significant concern about pesticide-mediated reductions in the number of honey bee pollinators, primarily Apis mellifera in the USA and in some European countries, but those initial concerns have been replaced by a broader concern related to the decline of pollinator bees in general. Here, we evaluated the impact of multiple stressors (e.g., insecticides and fungicides) on Africanized honey bees and stingless bees that are the most important pollinator insects in agriculture landscapes at the Neotropical regions. We demonstrated that the synergistic effects of agrochemicals (e.g., insecticides and fungicides) pose an increased risk to the Neotropical stingless bees Partamona helleri compared to the Africanized A. mellifera, which reinforce the notion that A. mellifera is not a f...

Research paper thumbnail of Ecdysteroids and reproduction in social bees: loss of function at increasing levels of sociality?

Research paper thumbnail of Flavonoides, actividades antibacteriana y antioxidante de propóleos de abejas sin aguijón, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona compressipes, Tetragonisca angustula y Nannotrigona sp. de Brasil y Venezuela

Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis... more Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis from stingless bees, Melipona quadrifasciata, Melipona compresssipes, Tetragonisca angustula, and Nannotrigona sp. were evaluated using ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) against Gram positives bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus. The propolis samples were collected in three locations, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, and Miranda and Guarico states, Venezuela, from November 2003 to April 2004. The results showed that the flavonoid content was very low for all samples, between 0.19 and 0.32%. The antioxidant activity was lower than 22 sec for all samples (3-5 sec of average). The EEP from Melipona quadrifasciata bees showed higher antioxidant activity than the other stingless bees. All EEP showed high antibacterial activity, with an inhibition halo between 11 to 30 mm, against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, for all Brazilian and Venezuelan samples. EEP from Na...

Research paper thumbnail of Flavonoids, Antibacterial and Antioxidant Activities of Propolis ofStingless Bees, Melipona quadrifasciata , Melipona compressipes ,Tetragonisca angustula, and Nannotrigona sp. From Brazil andVenezuela

Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis... more Flavonoids content, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Brazilian and Venezuelan propolis from stingless bees, Melipona quadrifasciata , Melipona compressipes , Tetragonisca angustula , and Nannotrigona sp. were evaluated using ethanolic extracts of propolis (EEP) against Gram positives bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus . The propolis samples were collected in three locations, Sao Paulo state, Brazil, and Miranda and Guarico states, Venezuela, from November 2003 to April 2004. The results showed that the flavonoid content was very low for all samples, between 0.19 and 0.32%. The antioxidant activity was lower than 22 sec for all samples (3-5 sec of average). The EEP from Melipona quadrifasciata bees showed higher antioxidant activity than the other stingless bees. All EEP showed high antibacterial activity, with an inhibition halo between 11 to 30 mm, against Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus luteus, for all Brazilian and Venezuelan samples. EEP from...

Research paper thumbnail of Supplementary material from "Agrochemical synergism imposes higher risk to neotropical bees than to honeybees

Bees are key pollinators whose population numbers are declining, in part, owing to the effects of... more Bees are key pollinators whose population numbers are declining, in part, owing to the effects of different stressors such as insecticides and fungicides. We have analysed the susceptibility of the Africanized honeybee, <i>Apis mellifera</i>, and the stingless bee, <i>Partamona helleri,</i> to commercial formulations of the insecticides deltamethrin and imidacloprid. The toxicity of fungicides based on thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil were investigated individually and in combination, and with the insecticides. Results showed that stingless bees were more susceptible to insecticides than honeybees. The commercial fungicides thiophanate-methyl or chlorothalonil caused low mortality, regardless of concentration, however their combination was as toxic as imidacloprid to both species, and over 400-fold more toxic than deltamethrin for <i>A. mellifera</i>. There were highly synergistic effects on mortality caused by interactions in the mixture of imidacloprid and the fungicides thiophanate-methyl, chlorothalonil and the combined fungicide formulation in <i>A. mellifera,</i> and also to a lesser extent in <i>P. helleri</i>. By contrast, mixtures of the deltamethrin and the combined fungicide formulation induced high synergy in <i>P. helleri</i>, but had little effect on the mortality of <i>A. mellifera</i>. Differences in physiology and modes of action of agrochemicals are discussed as key factors underlying the differences in susceptibility to agrochemicals.

Research paper thumbnail of Cuticle melanization and the expression of immune-related genes in the honeybee Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) adult workers

Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

The global decline of bee populations has several factors, including pathogens, which need overco... more The global decline of bee populations has several factors, including pathogens, which need overcome the insect defenses such as the physical barriers, the body cuticle and peritrophic matrix (primary defenses), as well as the secondary defenses with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and the enzyme lysozyme. The regulation of immune defenses according to the infection risks raises questions about the immunity of social bees due to their exposition to different pathogens pressures during the adult lifespan and tasks performed. This study evaluated the primary (body cuticle melanization, peritrophic matrix and cpr14 expression) and secondary (AMPs and lysozyme expression) defenses of the honeybee Apis mellifera workers according to the age and tasks. The expression of malvolio was used to detect precocious forage tasks outside the colony. Forager workers have higher amount of cuticular melanization in the body cuticle than nurse, but not when the age effect is retired, indicating the gradual acquisition of this compound in the integument of adult bees. The relative value of chitin in the peritrophic matrix and cpr14 mRNA are similar in all bees evaluated, suggesting that these components of primary defenses do not change according to the task and age. Differential expression of genes for AMPs in workers performing different tasks, within the same age group, indicates that the behavior stimulates expression of genes related to secondary immune defense. The expression of malvolio gene, accelerating the change in workers behavior, and those related to immune defense suggest the investment in secondary defense mechanisms when the primary defense of the body cuticle is not yet completed.

Research paper thumbnail of Extinction of anciently associated gut bacterial symbionts in a clade of stingless bees

The ISME Journal

Animal-microbe symbioses are often stable for millions of years. An example is the clade consisti... more Animal-microbe symbioses are often stable for millions of years. An example is the clade consisting of social corbiculate bees-honeybees, bumblebees, and stingless bees-in which a shared ancestor acquired specialized gut bacteria that subsequently diversified with hosts. This model may be incomplete, however, as few microbiomes have been characterized for stingless bees, which are diverse and ecologically dominant pollinators in the tropics. We surveyed gut microbiomes of Brazilian stingless bees, focusing on the genus Melipona, for which we sampled multiple species and biomes. Strikingly, Melipona lacks Snodgrassella and Gilliamella, bacterial symbionts ubiquitous in other social corbiculate bees. Instead, Melipona species harbor more environmental bacteria and bee-specific Starmerella yeasts. Loss of Snodgrassella and Gilliamella may stem from ecological shifts in Melipona or the acquisition of new symbionts as functional replacements. Our findings demonstrate the value of broadly sampling microbiome biodiversity and show that even ancient symbioses can be lost.

Research paper thumbnail of Changes in innate immune response and detoxification in Melipona quadrifasciata (Apinae: Meliponini) on oral exposure to azadirachtin and spinosad

Apidologie

Exposure to agrochemicals and pathogens has been indicated as critical factors of declining polli... more Exposure to agrochemicals and pathogens has been indicated as critical factors of declining pollinator populations, including species of native tropical bees. In the present study, we investigated the sublethal effects of acute oral exposure to azadirachtin and spinosad bioinsecticides on the expression of immunity-related genes and the number of hemocytes in uninfected and Escherichia coli –infected workers of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata . Expression of the immune-related gene vitellogenin decreased and the number of circulating hemocytes increased in bioinsecticide-exposed uninfected bees and in unexposed E. coli –infected bees as compared with unexposed uninfected bees. Our results show that though bioinsecticides are considered safe, contamination by sublethal doses of azadirachtin and spinosad can interfere with the immune system of bees.

Research paper thumbnail of Sublethal agrochemical exposures can alter honey bees' and Neotropical stingless bees' color preferences, respiration rates, and locomotory responses

Science of The Total Environment

Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native pla... more Stingless bees such as Partamona helleri Friese play important roles in pollination of native plants and agricultural crops in the Neotropics. Global concerns about declining bee populations due to agrochemical pollutants have, however, been biased towards the honey bee, Apis mellifera Linnaeus. Here, we analysed the unintended effects of commercial formulations of a neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, and a fungicide mixture of thiophanate-methyl and chlorothalonil on color preference, respiration rates and group locomotory activities of both P. helleri and A. mellifera. Our results revealed that P. helleri foragers that were not exposed to pesticides changed their color preference during the course of a year. By contrast, we found that pesticide exposure altered the color preference of stingless bees in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, imidacloprid decreased the overall locomotion of both bee species, whereas the fungicide mixture increased locomotion of only stingless bees. The fungicide mixture also reduced respiration rates of forager bees of both species. Forager bees of both species altered their color preference, but not their locomotory and respiration rates, when exposed to commercial formulations of each fungicidal mixture component (i.e., chlorothalonil and thiophanate-methyl). Our findings emphasize the importance of P. helleri as a model for Neotropical wild pollinator species in pesticide risk assessments, and also the critical importance of including groups of agrochemicals that are often considered to have minimal impact on pollinators, such as fungicides.

Research paper thumbnail of Effects of nitrogen supplementation on Saccharomyces cerevisiae JP14 fermentation for mead production

Food Science and Technology, Apr 17, 2020

Honey must supplementation is necessary for mead production due to the deficiency in nitrogen mat... more Honey must supplementation is necessary for mead production due to the deficiency in nitrogen materials in this feedstock, despite its high fermentative sugar content. The nitrogen limitation can halt or slow fermentation and lead to the production of unpleasant sensorial compounds, such as sulfur derivatives. The yeast JP14, a Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from Jataí bee's pollen, was inoculated in 25 °Brix honey must with-0 (control); 0,3; 0,7 and 1,0 g•L-1-of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) and ammonium sulfate (AS). The addition of both supplements resulted in increased cell viability in the first 5 days of fermentation at 20 °C, but did not affect the final acidity of the produced meads. Supplementation also leads to increased sugar consumption, and sugar conversion into ethanol increased as nitrogen supplementation increased, especially with DAP. This indicates that these compounds also regulate yeast metabolic pathways. Supplementary nitrogen acts both in protein anabolism and the gene expression of glycolytic and fermentative pathway components, favoring, in this case, sugar conversion into ethanol. This is the first work describing how different DAP and AS concentrations influences mead production and showing the comparison between these two supplements.

Research paper thumbnail of Selection of yeasts from bee products for alcoholic beverage production

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Aquaporin and aquaglyceroporin genes have different expression levels in the digestive tract and Malpighian tubules of honey bee nurses and foragers (Apis mellifera)

Journal of Apicultural Research

The major intrinsic protein (MIP) is vital to a fast water transport through cellular membranes. ... more The major intrinsic protein (MIP) is vital to a fast water transport through cellular membranes. Many studies about the insect MIP family, such as aquaporins and aquaglyceroporins, have been published so far, but research on honey bee (Apis mellifera) aquaporins is still poor. Five putative MIPs have been identified for the honey bee. We investigated the expression of one aquaporin and two aquaglyceroporins in the digestive tract and Malpighian tubules of nurses and foragers of A. mellifera. Honey bees were collected and dissected for mRNA extraction followed by cDNA synthesis. qPCR was performed with primers for Am_Eglp 1, Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2, and the reference gene RpL32. The expression profile varied depending on the evaluated organ and honey bee task. The crop of nurse bees showed higher transcript quantities for the three tested genes. In the midgut of nurse workers, Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2 were highly expressed, while Am_Eglp 1 had similar expression level comparing nurses and foragers. In the ileum and rectum, the tested MIPs are highly expressed in forager workers. In Malpighian tubules, Am_Eglp 1 was higher expressed in nurses, whereas Am_PRIP and Am_Eglp 2 had similar quantities in nurse and foragers. Our findings provide new data for future studies on the role of aquaporin and aquaglyceroporin in the digestion and osmoregulation of A. mellifera.

Research paper thumbnail of Post-embryonic development of the Malpighian tubules in Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera) workers: morphology, remodeling, apoptosis, and cell proliferation

Protoplasma, Jan 7, 2017

The honeybee Apis mellifera has ecological and economic importance; however, it experiences a pop... more The honeybee Apis mellifera has ecological and economic importance; however, it experiences a population decline, perhaps due to exposure to toxic compounds, which are excreted by Malpighian tubules. During metamorphosis of A. mellifera, the Malpighian tubules degenerate and are formed de novo. The objective of this work was to verify the cellular events of the Malpighian tubule renewal in the metamorphosis, which are the gradual steps of cell remodeling, determining different cell types and their roles in the excretory activity in A. mellifera. Immunofluorescence and ultrastructural analyses showed that the cells of the larval Malpighian tubules degenerate by apoptosis and autophagy, and the new Malpighian tubules are formed by cell proliferation. The ultrastructure of the cells in the Malpighian tubules suggest that cellular remodeling only occurs from dark-brown-eyed pupae, indicating the onset of excretion activity in pupal Malpighian tubules. In adult forager workers, two cell ...