Interaction between Apis mellifera L. and Baccharis dracunculifolia DC, that favours green propolis production in Minas Gerais

Abstract

In Minas Gerais, green propolis is produced from the collection of resinous substance found in shoot apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological parameters associated with the interaction Apis mellifera x Baccharis dracunculifolia, to elucidate the supply of resin for green propolis production in Minas Gerais. We selected male and female individuals of two populations of Baccharis dracunculifolia located on São Judas Tadeu Farm -FSJT, in the municipality of Betim, MG and the Experimental Garden of the Ezequiel Dias Foundation -HORTO, located in an urban area in Belo Horizonte, MG. We made weekly observations, from June 2007 to June 2008, and evaluated in both populations: richness and abundance of insect visitors; resin collecting visits of Apis mellifera; presence of Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae galls; growth of individuals and phenological phases. Statistical analyses were made using R software. The rainy season showed the highest number of visitors. A. mellifera collected resin in shoot apices of Baccharis dracunculifolia from August to April, only in the FSJT population, where galls of B. dracunculifoliae were also present. Ovoposition of gall inductor on host plants occurs during the rainy season, when there is a peak of visitants and resin collecting visits of honeybees. This fact stimulates plant defense strategies against parasitoids and predators, which includes the production of several secondary metabolites, and ultimately reduces competition for food by inhibiting the attack of other phytophagous insects, not adapted to the chemical environment of plant tissues. Green propolis production in Minas Gerais is related to the abundant supply of resin by Baccharis dracunculifolia, when they are parasitised by B. dracunculifoliae galls. They induce plant production of defense exudates, which attract Apis mellifera bees to collect resin and consequently favour the production of green propolis.Keywords: green propolis, galls, Baccharis dracunculifolia, Apis mellifera, Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae. Interação entre Apis mellifera L. e Baccharis dracunculifolia DC que favorecem a produção de própolis verde no estado de Minas Gerais ResumoA própolis verde é produzida pelas abelhas Apis mellifera no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, a partir da coleta de substância resinosa dos ápices vegetativos de Baccharis dracunculifolia. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os parâmetros biológicos associados à interação Apis mellifera x Baccharis dracunculifolia, visando elucidar o fornecimento de resina da espécie para a produção de própolis verde em Minas Gerais. Foram selecionados indivíduos masculinos e femininos em duas populações de Baccharis dracunculifolia localizadas na Fazenda São Judas Tadeu -FSJT, município de Betim, MG, e no Horto Experimental da Fundação Ezequiel Dias -HORTO, em área urbana no município de Belo Horizonte, MG. Foram observados semanalmente, entre junho de 2007 e junho de 2008, a riqueza e abundância de insetos visitantes; visitação de Apis...

Effects of seasonal variations and collection methods on the mineral composition of propolis from Apis mellifera Linnaeus Beehives

“…However, bees collect resins from different plant sources throughout the year and the collection method can influence the collection of resin, which could explain the seasonal differences in the mineral content of propolis. Bastos et al (2011) have demonstrated that some plants produce more resins in certain periods. For example, in rainy seasons, it is observed that A. mellifera bees and other insects show an increased attraction to plants, resulting in collection of greater amounts of resin (Bastos et al, 2011).…”

“…Bastos et al (2011) have demonstrated that some plants produce more resins in certain periods. For example, in rainy seasons, it is observed that A. mellifera bees and other insects show an increased attraction to plants, resulting in collection of greater amounts of resin (Bastos et al, 2011).…”

Laxative effects and mechanism of action of Brazilian green propolis

“…Brazilian “green” propolis is made when honeybees mix their own saliva and very small pieces of plant material that they gather from fresh tops of Baccharis dracunculifolia [8-11]. Brazilian green propolis contains various constituents and the ethanol extract of propolis (EEP) is reported to have a wide range of biological properties, such as anti-bacterial [12], anti-inflammatory [13], anti-hypertensive [14-16], anti-tumor [17], anti-hyperlipidemic [18], and antioxidant [19] activities.…”

Palynology as a Tool to Distinguish between Propolis and Geopropolis: Southern Brazilian Samples

“…By analogy to propolis samples from Baccharis dracunculifolia analysed by [4], the richness of trichomes in the studied samples may be attributed to species of the Asteraceae family. Trichomes were detected only inside the propolis samples.…”

“…This resin was obtained from some damaged tree stems or branches [3]. In a special case of green propolis, the bees chew leave buds to open the plant resin channels, introducing plant tissue fragments accidentally into its propolis [4]. Mixing the resin with bee wax, glandular secretion of the worker bees is added, and the result is a material used to seal holes and cracks inside the honeycomb and to isolate foreign incomes.…”