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The Melipona fasciculata is a stingless bee and her honey has properties and flavor appreciated by different consumers. Its production provides a source of income for poor communities in Maranhão, Brazil. However, the absence of Brazilian legislation for this type of honey, as it exists for Apis mellifera, prevents the expansion of the commercialization of M. fasciculata honey. This study was carried out to identify microbiological and physicochemical patterns of honey in seven important locations in the Baixada Maranhense, in the north of Brazil. The honeys showed good hygienic-sanitary quality, in line with Brazilian legislation for A. mellifera honey and the proposal for regulation of stingless bee (SLB) honey. However, 16% of samples belonging to five locations showed contamination by mesophilic bacteria. The physicochemical parameters were variable, mainly moisture indexes (%), with means between 19.35 to 21.22. The HMF content of São Bento (70.70 mg.kg−1) was above current Brazilian legislation. Total acidity showed higher averages in half of São Bento, Viana and Palmeirândia when compared to legislation and the SLB (Max: 50 mEq.kg−1). As for the principal component analysis, HMF and TA showed a positive correlation. With regards to reducing sugar content, only the mean in Peri-Mirim city reached values registered with the Apis legislation and the proposed SLB. In general, the honeys in this study showed rates compatible with those of other SLB, however, in disagreement with parameters required by the Brazilian regulation of Apis, motivating the establishment of specific legislation for honey in Maranhão. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is a natural substance synthesized by honeybees. Its physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities differ among honey types due to floral and entomological origins. This is a comparative study on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of honey from Apis mellifera and Meliponula beccarii L. (stingless bee) collected from different sources. A. mellifera honey samples were collected from hives (n = 13) and local markets (n = 13). M. beccarii honey samples were collected from local markets (n = 13). The honey samples were designated as A. mellifera fresh honey directly collected from hives (AMFH), A. mellifera honey collected from the local markets (AMMH), and stingless bees (M. beccarii) honey collected from markets (MBH). Physicochemical and antioxidant properties were analyzed using standard protocols. The antioxidant properties of the honey samples were assessed using total phenolic, flavonoids, and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) methods. Honey from the stingless bee (MBH) had significantly (p < 0.0001) higher (33.5 ± 3.0%) moisture content, free acidity (113 ± 5.0 meq/kg), and maltose (3.1 ± 1.0), but significantly lower (p < 0.001) levels of hydroxymethyl furfural (4.4 ± 2.0 mg/kg), pH (3.0 ± 0.0), EC (0.25 ± 0.0 mS/cm), fructose (19.6 ± 2.4%), glucose (18.2 ± 1.62%), and sucrose (0.18 ± 0.13, p < 0.05) compared to A. mellifera honey collected from markets. Honey from the stingless bees had higher phenolic (273 ± 9.0 mgGAE/100 g), flavonoid (41 ± 21 mgQE/100 g), and antioxidant content (104 ± 6.0 mgAAE/100 g); however, the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Honey samples from the stingless bees had higher moisture, phenolic, flavonoid, and antioxidant contents but lower pH, HMF, sugar, ash, and electrical conductivity compared to A. mellifera honeys collected from markets. A. mellifera honey collected directly from the hive had higher quality than those purchased from markets. A strong awareness creation program is needed for consumers as well as honey producers to maintain the quality of honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wound healing is a complex and coordinated process involving interactions between cells and various messenger systems. This study conducted in vivo tests to determine the healing effect of propolis (PR)-based cream derived from the Amazon stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, reared in açaí (Euterpe oleracea) monoculture, on induced wounds in rats. Data were obtained by monitoring injuries on 14 Wistar rats, divided into three groups (G1, G2 and G3), each receiving specific treatments: propolis-based cream (PR), collagenase (PC) and neutral cream (NC). Over the seven days of treatment, the lesions were measured using photographic records and ImageJ software to evaluate the healing effectiveness of the test cream. ImageJ software version 1.53g was used to compare the wound diameters for each treatment. After seven days, histopathological analyses of the induced lesions were performed. It was observed that collagenase (PC) and the test cream (PR) did not differ significantly in terms of wound diameter reduction. However, the propolis-based cream directly influenced the lesion maturation process and exhibited a milder inflammatory response compared to the positive control (PC). This effect is possibly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds identified by GC/MS analysis in the propolis. Notably, this is the first report describing propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica obtained from açaí monocultures with strong healing potential, highlighting the identification of a high concentration of phenolic compounds that aid directly in wound repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees play a crucial role in pollination but are exposed to various pesticides during nectar and pollen collection, which can impact their health and pollination efficiency. This study aimed to investigate morphological and histochemical changes in the hypopharyngeal glands of Scaptotrigona postica after exposure to three chemical compounds: glyphosate, fipronil, and Tween. Nurse bees of S. postica were divided into four experimental groups and fed with sucrose syrup containing the compounds for 24 h. After the exposure period, the hypopharyngeal glands were analyzed for morphology using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The hypopharyngeal glands of S. postica exhibited a tubuloacinar structure, with unicellular acini approximately 54 µm in diameter. Exposure to fipronil resulted in changes in the organization of the rough endoplasmic reticulum (RER) and increased area and sphericity of the acini compared to all other groups, as well as a higher presence of proteins in the cytoplasm compared to other pesticides, potentially due to increased food consumption. Bees exposed to glyphosate showed alterations in the mitochondria compared to all groups. The Tween group did not exhibit significant changes in cellular ultrastructure, only a smaller area and sphericity compared to the control group. The hypopharyngeal glands are highly sensitive to pesticides and are efficient bioindicators. Significant changes in these glands can compromise the maintenance of the colony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During a sampling to determine the management of stingless bees in central Mexico, the presence of a hive of Melipona beecheii was recorded on the farm of "Las Palmas". This record is important as it extends the distribution of the species 48 km north of its northernmost record in Puebla. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees can be exposed to pesticides when visiting crops or plants in adjacent areas affected by spray drift. Among pesticide categories, fungicides tend to be considered relatively safe, though they also can negatively affect pollinators. Most evidence of damage by fungicides to bees comes from laboratory tests; there is little information concerning contamination levels in the field. We examined exposure of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and a common Brazilian native species of social stingless bees (Scaptotrigona postica Latreille; Hymenoptera: Apidae), which is about a third the size of a honey bee, to a commercial fungicide (Fox Xpro), with three active ingredients (trifloxystrobin, bixafen, and prothioconazole), applied to crops they often visit according to label directions. A spraying apparatus mounted on tracks in a laboratory spray room was used to simulate field conditions. Soybean and cotton plants grown in pots were transferred to the spray room when the plants were in flower. Anaesthetized bees were attached with insect pins at the top and middle of the plants, on leaves and flowers. The fungicide was applied using fine or coarse droplets. The amounts of the individual active ingredients absorbed by bees were then quantified. Concentrations of trifloxystrobin were highest in both honey bees and stingless bees, followed by bixafen, and then prothioconazole, which was detected in the bees at much lower levels. Overall, bees at the top of the plants and those sprayed with fine droplets absorbed more pesticide. As a function of body mass, the stingless bees were more heavily contaminated than the larger honey bees. Tests using spraying systems that simulate field conditions can better estimate the actual doses that contaminate bees to help determine the impact of fungicides and other pesticides applied to crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plebeia is a taxonomically complex genus of stingless bees characterized by remarkable interspecific morphological similarity. On the other hand, cytogenetic data have been useful to resolve taxonomic uncertainties and to infer the diversification processes. Therefore, the goal of this study was to provide a karyotypic analyses in five nominal taxa of Plebeia from northeastern Brazil: P. droryana Friese (Természetrajzi Füzetek kiadja a Magyar nemzeti Muzeum 23:381–394, 1900), P. cf. mosquito Smith 1863, Plebeia aff. droryana 1, Plebeia aff. droryana 2, and Plebeia aff. fravocincta based on traditional and molecular cytogenetic methods to test their applicability in cytotaxonomy and to understand the karyoevolutionary processes in these bees. All species shared a chromosomal number of 2n = 34, except for some individuals of Plebeia aff. flavocincta that presented up to two small and heterochromatic B chromosomes. Species-specific karyotype formulae were observed while the heterochromatin segments were mainly distributed on short arms and pericentromeric regions of most chromosomes, including subtle C-banding differences in each species. The 18S rDNA sites were terminally located on pair 3 of P. droryana, P. cf. mosquito, Plebeia aff. droryana 2, and Plebeia aff. droryana 1, and on the first metacentric pair in Plebeia aff. flavocincta. These data reinforced the efficiency of cytogenetics as an informative tool to discriminate Plebeia species. The present data suggest that structural rearrangements such as inversions and duplications/deletions of heterochromatin and ribosomal clusters are the main drivers of karyotypic evolution in Plebeia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The therapeutic applications of honey products have been extensively studied, but the various combination of honeys as a high-antioxidant product has not been explored. This study aimed to develop an optimized three honey formulation (Trihoney) with maximal antioxidant potency and physicochemical characteristics, as well as favourable among panellists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three types of honey studied are; i) Trigona sp. honey (TH), ii) Apis mellifera honey (MH), and iii) Apis dorsata honey (DH). Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to design optimal Trihoney formulation for i) total phenolic content (TPC), ii) ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP), and iii) 2,2’-diphenyl-1 picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. Proximate and nutrient analyses, such as moisture, protein, fibre, carbohydrate, sugar, and gross energy were also conducted. Additionally, sensory evaluation was carried out to support the findings. RESULTS: Based on RSM, three optimal Trihoney formulation were developed; i) Trihoney 1 (MH15:DH10:TH45), ii) Trihoney 2 (MH15:DH10:TH25), and iii) Trihoney 3 (MH15:DH10:TH15). Trihoney 1 was the most promising formulation, exhibiting the highest TPC (0.50 mg/GAE/g), remarkable values of FRAP (230.85 AAE/ g) and DPPH (86.32%). Physicochemical and sugar analysis indicated that all values complied with permitted quality standards. MH received the highest overall acceptability scores based on sensory evaluation. CONCLUSION: These findings warrant further extensive investigation of Trihoney formulation in animal studies to support its efficacy as a valuable food supplement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Coadaptation of mitochondrial and nuclear genes is essential for proper cellular function. When populations become isolated, theory predicts that they should maintain mito‐nuclear coadaptation in each population, even as they diverge in genotype. Mito‐nuclear incompatibilities may therefore arise when individuals from populations with divergent co‐evolved mito‐nuclear gene sets are re‐united and hybridise, contributing to selection against inter‐population hybrids and, potentially, to speciation. Here, we explored genetic divergence and gene flow between populations of a stingless bee (Tetragonula hockingsi) that have highly divergent mitogenomes. We identified three distinct populations across the species' 2500 km range on the east coast of Queensland (Australia): ‘Cape York’, ‘Northern’, and ‘Southern’. The mitogenomes of each population showed > 12% pairwise nucleotide divergence from each other, and > 7% pairwise amino acid divergence. Based on nuclear SNPs from reduced representation sequencing, we identified at least two zones of gene flow between populations: a narrow natural zone between Northern and Southern populations (coinciding with a biogeographic barrier, the Burdekin Gap), and an artificial zone at the southern edge of the species' distribution, where Cape York, Northern, and Southern mito‐lineages have been brought together in recent decades due to beekeeping. In the artificial hybrid zone, we also confirmed that males of all three mito‐lineages were attracted to the mating aggregations of Southern queens, consistent with inter‐population hybridisation. Populations of T. hockingsi thus appear to be in the ‘grey zone’ of the speciation continuum, having strong genetic differentiation but incomplete reproductive isolation. Among the nuclear SNPs most differentiated between Northern and Southern populations, several were associated with genes involved in mitochondrial function, consistent with populations having co‐diverged mito‐nuclear gene sets. Our observations suggest that coadapted sets of mitochondrial and nuclear genes unique to each population of T. hockingsi may play a role in maintaining population boundaries, though more study is needed to confirm the fitness costs of mito‐nuclear incompatibilities in hybrid individuals.

Meliponaries are an alternative for the preservation of stingless bee species, in addition to producing raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. The presence of invaders that can cause damage to the integrity of productive areas is something that is frequently reported. The same happens in meliponaries, where bees can have many natural enemies, whether vertebrates or invertebrates. Updating new records and management methods are crucial to avoid major losses in production. The aim of this work is to report the first occurrence of the clown beetles, Hololepta (Leionota) reichii (Marseul, 1853) (Insecta: Coleoptera: Histeridae) in meliponaries of the state of Ceará, Brazil, and provide notes on the methods used to control it. A total of 109 individuals (40 females; 69 males) were collected between February and July 2022, placed in alcohol 70%, and subsequently identified. Measures such as the removal of decaying organic materials from nearby the colonies, added to frequent inspection, internal and external cleaning of the hive boxes after infestations, in addition to the elimination of beetles found in the hives, had a positive effect in reducing the records of attacks.

Background and Aim: Stingless bees are generally found in tropical countries, including Indonesia. In West Sumatra, stingless bees are known as Galo-galo, consist of several species with different characteristics; however, the properties of honey produced by stingless bees have not yet been explored. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities as well as the microbiota profile of stingless bee honey from the bee species Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, Tetrigona melanoleuca, and Tetrigona binghami that are intensively developed in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Honey produced by the stingless bee species H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami originating in West Sumatra was examined in the present study. The physicochemical properties (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl technique), total phenols (Folin- Ciocalteu method), antimicrobial activity (Agar-Well diffusion test), total lactic acid bacteria, and microbiota diversity were measured in stingless bee honey samples. Results: Stingless bee species significantly affected the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, antimicrobial activity, and total lactic acid bacteria (p = 0.05), except for the crude fiber content. The carbohydrate profiles of honey produced by H. itama and T. binghami were dominated by monosaccharides, whereas those of honey from T. melanoleuca and G. thoracica were dominated by disaccharides. In terms of antioxidant activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] value), there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from H. itama, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami, but there were significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from G. thoracica. The honey of G. thoracica and T. melanoleuca had the highest total phenolic content (65.65 ± 14.00 and 69.78 ± 8.06, respectively). In addition, honey from the four stingless bee species showed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. From the principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) results, it can be concluded that the microbiota profiles of the four stingless bee honey samples differed. Conclusion: The results showed that honey from H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami has different physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and microbiota diversity. By knowing the content of this stingless bee honey, the results of this study can be used as information that this stingless bee honey has the potential as a functional food that is beneficial for health.

Stingless bees are important pollinators in the ecosystem and crop production in most subtropical and tropical regions of the world. However, the global decline of bee populations is a serious concern. Insecticides are considered crucial factors affecting bee survival. In this study, the acute toxicity of selected synthetic insecticides (imidacloprid, profenofos, and lambda-cyhalothrin) on a stingless bee, Tetragonula pagdeni (Schwarz) (Hymenoptera Apidae), was investigated and the LD50 and LC50 determined through topical, oral, and contact exposure under laboratory conditions. The estimated topical LD50 values for imidacloprid, lambda-cyhalothrin, and profenofos were 0.06, 0.53, and 45.39 ng active ingredient (a.i.)/bee, respectively. The corresponding estimated LD50 values from oral bioassays were 0.66, 7.52, and 75.04 ng a.i./bee, and LC50 values for contact exposure were 48.74, 4,339.83, and 3,062.81 ng a.i./cm2. Overall, imidacloprid exhibited the highest toxicity among the evaluated insecticides for all routes of exposure. In addition, insecticide toxicity was higher in the topical bioassay than in oral and contact bioassays. These findings demonstrate that this stingless bee is extremely vulnerable to insecticide use. Therefore, selection of insecticides in pest control programs should consider mitigation of the risk to and detrimental effects on stingless bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bee products are gaining interest in the field of research due to their biochemical and nutritive properties. Honey bee products have been researched extensively but little has been done in regards to stingless bees. There are many species of stingless bees including Plebeina armata, which are found in the Afrotropics. They are underground nesting and produce honey, propolis, wax, pollen and bee bread. These products are known to be rich in polyphenols that comprise of flavonoids and phenolic. In our study, we analysed colorimetrically the total flavonoid, phenolic content and radical scavenging activity of honey (n = 22) and propolis (n = 25) from Bomet, Kisii and Maralal in Kenya. Results: Honey and propolis had total flavonoid content of 12.00–22.67 mg QE/100 g and 288.15–944.76 mg QE/100 g while total phenolic content was 87.01–239.93 mg GAE/100 g and 524.14–1225.01 mg GAE/100 g, respectively. In considerations to the regions, Maralal had the highest phenolic and flavanoid content followed by Bomet and Kisii was the least. The same trend was observed in the radical scavenging activity. Except for the total flavonoid content in honey, the difference was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The polyphenol content of both honey and propolis of P. armata are equally affected by geographical location as a result of different vegetation. They are good source of antioxidants, which can be utilized in diet due to their radical scavenging properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Pulp and periapical tissue problems are 7th out of the top 10 diseases. Propolis from stingless bees is a natural substance that has been proven its efficacy in treating the diseases. Additionally, it is categorized safe for humans. This study aimed to determine the antibacterial activity of stingless bee propolis (Heterotrigona itama) ethanol extract on dental root canal bacterial growth in vitro. Method: This study was an experimental study with a posttest-only control group design and consisting of six treatment groups with concentrations of 3,000; 6,000; 12,000; and 24,000 ppm of stingless bee propolis, as well as a positive and negative control. Each treatment was repeated four times. Result: The result showed that there were no clear zones at concentrations of 24,000 ppm, but a clear zones appeared at concentrations of 3,000; 6,000; and 12,000 ppm. Stingless bee propolis ethanol extract is efficient against bacteria. At a concentration of 3,000 ppm, the inhibition zone's maximum circumference was visible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Stingless bees are generally found in tropical countries, including Indonesia. In West Sumatra, stingless bees are known as Galo-galo, consist of several species with different characteristics; however, the properties of honey produced by stingless bees have not yet been explored. This study aimed to determine the physicochemical, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities as well as the microbiota profile of stingless bee honey from the bee species Heterotrigona itama, Geniotrigona thoracica, Tetrigona melanoleuca, and Tetrigona binghami that are intensively developed in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: Honey produced by the stingless bee species H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami originating in West Sumatra was examined in the present study. The physicochemical properties (Association of Official Analytical Chemists), antioxidant activity (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl technique), total phenols (Folin-- Ciocalteu method), antimicrobial activity (Agar-Well diffusion test), total lactic acid bacteria, and microbiota diversity were measured in stingless bee honey samples. Results: Stingless bee species significantly affected the physicochemical properties, antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, antimicrobial activity, and total lactic acid bacteria (p = 0.05), except for the crude fiber content. The carbohydrate profiles of honey produced by H. itama and T. binghami were dominated by monosaccharides, whereas those of honey from T. melanoleuca and G. thoracica were dominated by disaccharides. In terms of antioxidant activity (half maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] value), there were no significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from H. itama, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami, but there were significant differences (p > 0.05) between honey from G. thoracica. The honey of G. thoracica and T. melanoleuca had the highest total phenolic content (65.65 ± 14.00 and 69.78 ± 8.06, respectively). In addition, honey from the four stingless bee species showed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic bacteria Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes. From the principal co-ordinate analysis (PCoA) results, it can be concluded that the microbiota profiles of the four stingless bee honey samples differed. Conclusion: The results showed that honey from H. itama, G. thoracica, T. melanoleuca, and T. binghami has different physicochemical characteristics, antioxidant activity, antimicrobial activity, and microbiota diversity. By knowing the content of this stingless bee honey, the results of this study can be used as information that this stingless bee honey has the potential as a functional food that is beneficial for health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The demand for honey produced by stingless bees such as Melipona beecheii has increased due to its therapeutic properties. However, its physico-chemical characterization is still limited and quality control parameters are not sufficiently established. The objective of this study was to evaluate physico-chemical characteristics of M. beecheii honey obtained in various production seasons in meliponaries from the low deciduous forest zone of Yucatan, Mexico. Thirty-seven samples of honey were obtained in the harvest and post-harvest seasons during 2020-2021. According to the International Honey Commission methodologies, physico-chemical analyses were carried out and statistical analysis was performed to determine differences between seasons in the parameters evaluated. There were significant differences (p < 0.05) between harvesting seasons in the CIE colour parameters L*a*b* (3.03, 0.47, 0.43 and 3.48, 1.85, 3.05, respectively), free acidity (21.3 meq·kg-1 and 32.4 meq·kg-1), ash (2.3 g·kg-1 and 4.5 g·kg-1), hydroxymethylfurfural content (11.8 mg·kg-1 and 20.4 mg·kg-1, and invertase number (7.8 and 11.6). For moisture, sugars, electrical conductivity, diastase activity, insoluble matter and proline content, no differences were found (p > 0.05) between honeys extracted at harvest and post-harvest seasons. The differences could be related to the diversity of melliferous flora present in this ecoregion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging activity of stingless bees are influenced by unpredictable environmental variables. The study on Influence of weather parameters on foraging activity of stingless bee, Tetragonula iridipennis Smith during winter was conducted from October, 2022 to January, 2023. Irrespective of winter months, peak activity of outgoing bees was observed from 1100-1600 hr, nectar carrying bees from 1100-1500 hr, pollen carrying bees from 1200-1400 hr and resin carrying bees from 1200-1500 hr. Hourly temperature and wind speed had positive correlation with foraging activity, whereas, the hourly relative humidity and precipitation negatively affected the foraging activity of T. iridipennis. Among forage carrying bees, the number of nectar carrying bees were maximum, followed by pollen and resin carrying bees (N>P >R) during winter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is produced exclusively by honeybees and stingless bees which both are well adapted to tropical and subtropical regions such as Malaysia. Stingless bees are known for producing small amounts of honey and are known for having a unique flavor profile. Problem identified that many stingless bees collapsed due to weather, temperature and environment. It is critical to understand the relationship between the production of stingless bee honey and environmental conditions to improve honey production. Thus, this paper presents a review on stingless bee's honey production and prediction modeling. About 54 previous research has been analyzed and compared in identifying the research gaps. A framework on modeling the prediction of stingless bee honey is derived. The result presents the comparison and analysis on the internet of things (IoT) monitoring systems, honey production estimation, convolution neural networks (CNNs), and automatic identification methods on bee species. It is identified based on image detection method the top best three efficiency presents CNN is at 98.67%, densely connected convolutional networks with YOLO v3 is 97.7%, and DenseNet201 convolutional networks 99.81%. This study is significant to assist the researcher in developing a model for predicting stingless honey produced by bee's output, which is important for a stable economy and food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey and pollen from Tetragonisca fiebrigi and Scaptotrigona jujuyensis, stingless bees from northern Argentina, presented a particular microbiological profile and associated enzymatic activities. The cultured bacteria were mostly Bacillus spp. (44%) and Escherichia spp. (31%). The phylogenetic analysis showed a taxonomic distribution according to the type of bee that was similar in both species. Microbial enzymatic activities were studied using hierarchical clustering. Bacillus spp. was the main bacterium responsible for enzyme production. Isolates with xylanolytic activity mostly presented cellulolytic activity and, in fewer cases, lipolytic activity. Amylolytic activity was associated with proteolytic activity. None of the isolated strains produced multiple hydrolytic enzymes in substantial amounts, and bacteria were classified according to their primary hydrolytic activity. These findings add to the limited knowledge of microbiological diversity in honey and pollen from stingless bees and also provide a physiological perspective of this community to assess its biotechnological potential in the food industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meliponini) are pollinators of both cultivated and wild crop plants in the Neotropical region. However, they are susceptible to pesticide exposure during foraging activities. The fungicide fluazinam is commonly applied in bean and sunflower cultivation during the flowering period, posing a potential risk to the stingless bee Partamona helleri, which serves as a pollinator for these crops. In this study, we investigated the impact of acute oral exposure (24 h) fluazinam on the survival, morphology and cell death signaling pathways in the midgut, oxidative stress and behavior of P. helleri worker bees. Worker bees were exposed for 24 h to fluazinam (field concentrations 0.5, 1.5 and 2.5 mg a.i. mL−1), diluted in 50 % honey aqueous solution. After oral exposure, fluazinam did not harm the survival of worker bees. However, sublethal effects were revealed using the highest concentration of fluazinam (2.5 mg a.i. mL−1), particularly a reduction in food consumption, damage in the midgut epithelium, characterized by degeneration of the brush border, an increase in the number and size of cytoplasm vacuoles, condensation of nuclear chromatin, and an increase in the release of cell fragments into the gut lumen. Bees exposed to fluazinam exhibited an increase in cells undergoing autophagy and apoptosis, indicating cell death in the midgut epithelium. Furthermore, the fungicide induced oxidative stress as evidenced by an increase in total antioxidant and catalase enzyme activities, along with a decrease in glutathione S-transferase activity. And finally, fluazinam altered the walking behavior of bees, which could potentially impede their foraging activities. In conclusion, our findings indicate that fluazinam at field concentrations is not lethal for workers P. helleri. Nevertheless, it has side effects on midgut integrity, oxidative stress and worker bee behavior, pointing to potential risks for this pollinator.

Wound healing is a complex and coordinated process involving interactions between cells and various messenger systems. This study conducted in vivo tests to determine the healing effect of propolis (PR)-based cream derived from the Amazon stingless bee, Scaptotrigona aff. postica, reared in açaí (Euterpe oleracea) monoculture, on induced wounds in rats. Data were obtained by monitoring injuries on 14 Wistar rats, divided into three groups (G1, G2 and G3), each receiving specific treatments: propolis-based cream (PR), collagenase (PC) and neutral cream (NC). Over the seven days of treatment, the lesions were measured using photographic records and ImageJ software to evaluate the healing effectiveness of the test cream. ImageJ software version 1.53g was used to compare the wound diameters for each treatment. After seven days, histopathological analyses of the induced lesions were performed. It was observed that collagenase (PC) and the test cream (PR) did not differ significantly in terms of wound diameter reduction. However, the propolis-based cream directly influenced the lesion maturation process and exhibited a milder inflammatory response compared to the positive control (PC). This effect is possibly associated with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory compounds identified by GC/MS analysis in the propolis. Notably, this is the first report describing propolis of Scaptotrigona aff. postica obtained from açaí monocultures with strong healing potential, highlighting the identification of a high concentration of phenolic compounds that aid directly in wound repair.

Stingless bees, a social corbiculate bee member, play a crucial role in providing pollination services. Despite their importance, the structure of their microbiome, particularly the fungal communities, remains poorly understood. This study presents an initial characterization of the fungal community associated with two Thai commercial stingless bee species, Lepidotrigona terminata (Smith) and Tetragonula pagdeni (Schwarz) from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Utilizing ITS amplicon sequencing, we identified distinct fungal microbiomes in these two species. Notably, fungi from the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, Mortierellomycota, and Rozellomycota were present. The most dominant genera, which varied significantly between species, included Candida and Starmerella. Additionally, several key enzymes associated with energy metabolism, structural strength, and host defense reactions, such as adenosine triphosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, b-glucosidase, chitinase, and peptidylprolyl isomerase, were predicted. Our findings not only augment the limited knowledge of the fungal microbiome in Thai commercial stingless bees but also provide insights for their sustainable management through understanding their microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mead, an ancient alcoholic beverage, relies on the indigenous microbial community in honey for alcohol fermentation. Nevertheless, data on the use of bee indigenous flora for mead production in Thailand are scarce. This investigation involved the isolation of alcohol-producing yeast strains from the Thai stingless bee species Heterotrigona itama. Subsequently, these isolated yeast strains were employed in mead fermentation with honey sourced from the same stingless bee species. Findings revealed that the yeast strain denoted as P03b, which was identified molecularly as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, exhibited the highest alcohol production of 13.53% ± 0.76%. Furthermore, the yeast strain P03b demonstrated notable stress tolerance, including resistance to elevated osmotic pressure (30% w/v glucose), extreme pH conditions (pH 2), and high ethanol content (20% w/v). In mead fermentation, the highest observed alcohol concentration reached 10.20% ± 0.26%. The resultant mead had a pH of 3.54% ± 0.04% and total reducing sugar content of 0.04 ± 0.00 mg/mL. This study provides new knowledge on using indigenous yeast in Thai stingless bee combs for alcohol beverage production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intense insecticide application is thought to cause a decline in bee colonies worldwide. Bees are effective pollinators in increasing the production of agricultural commodities. The stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps (Apidae: Meliponini) is widely cultivated and found around plantations. The insecticides used in the toxicity test were imidacloprid 200 g/L, fipronil 50 g/L, lambdacyhalothrin 25 g/L, profenofos 500 g/L, and chlorantraniliprole 50 g/L followed by a semi-field test using imidacloprid, fipronil, and profenofos insecticides on the cucumber plant. The LC50 value showed that exposure to imidacloprid, fipronil, and profenofos insecticides caused toxic effects on T. laeviceps by contact and orally. Lambda-cyhalothrin was found harmful on contact exposure, in contrast, chlorantraniliprole was harmful through oral. Classification of insecticide toxicity based on LD50 contact for imidacloprid, fipronil, lambda-cyhalothrin, and profenofos were very toxic and needed a risk assessment. However, chlorantraniliprole was classified as moderately toxic and low risk. In semi-field test results, imidacloprid and fipronil insecticides caused a significant decrease in the leave-return and bee-visiting activity on cucumber flowers. These insecticides also produced a low average yield of fruit weight. Insecticide application can affect the role of T. laeviceps as the pollinator which impacts the production of agricultural commodities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skincare, which is a type of cosmetics, is an essential component in the process of maintaining and caring for the skin. It is known that the skin quickly absorbs the tiny molecular structure of serum. Stingless bees, widespread in East Kalimantan and Indonesia, benefit the skin's health by producing honey and propolis. This research aims to demonstrate that a face serum derived from honey and propolis of stingless bees from East Kalimantan is safe for use on the skin using dermatological standards. Here we will see whether there are allergic reactions and irritation from using facial serum. Using the Repeated Open Application Test (ROPT) technique, 20 volunteers were subjected to applying a face serum containing honey and stingless bee propolis. The serum was given to the upper arm twice daily for seven days. As part of the test, allergic reactions were evaluated using the system developed by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group (ICDRG), and irritating reactions were evaluated using the Primary Irritation Index (PII). The results showed that on the first day, four of the volunteers reported moderate irritation reactions. Consequently, they scored 0.7, indicating they suffered minor irritation. On the other hand, the reactions of the remaining 16 volunteers were typical. Twenty participants had normal skin from the second treatment until the seventh day. The overall findings show that the facial serum based on honey and kelulut propolis from stingless bees from East Kalimantan showed a mild irritation reaction at the beginning of use and was safe to use in subsequent uses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between plants and pollinators is known to be influenced by ecological interactions with other community members. While most research has focused on aboveground communities affecting plant–pollinator interactions, it is increasingly recognized that soil‐dwelling organisms can directly or indirectly impact these interactions. Although studies have examined the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on floral traits, there is a gap in research regarding similar effects associated with plant growth‐promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), particularly concerning floral scent. Our study aimed to investigate the influence of the PGPR Bacillus amyloliquefaciens on the floral traits of wild (Solanum habrochaites, Solanum pimpinellifolium and Solanum peruvianum) and cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), as well as the impact of microbially‐driven changes in floral scent on the foraging behaviour of the stingless bee Melipona quadrifasciata. Our findings revealed that inoculating tomatoes with PGPR led to an increased number of flowers and enhanced overall floral volatile emission. Additionally, we observed higher flower biomass and pollen levels in all species, except S. peruvianum. Importantly, these changes in volatile emissions influenced the foraging behaviour of M. quadrifasciata significantly. Our results highlight the impact of beneficial soil microbes on plant–pollinator interactions, shedding light on the multiple effects that plant–microbial interactions can have on aboveground organisms. Summary Statement: Inoculating Solanum lycopersicum, S. habrochaites, S. pimpinellifolium, and S. peruvianum with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens increased flower count and floral scent release. Moreover, flower biomass and pollen count rose in all species except S. peruvianum. Such shifts in floral scent changed the foraging behaviour of Melipona quadrifasciata bees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a dearth of information on the comparative studies of the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties as well as quality standards of stingless bee honey (SBH) in Ethiopia. Hence, this study was designed to assess and compare the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH, specifically sourced from Meliponula beccarii, and produced under both wild and modern apiary conditions at two distinct geographical locations. A total of forty‐six honey samples were meticulously collected from domesticated stingless bee colonies and naturally occurring wild nests at Wolmera and Cheliya districts. Pollen analysis unveiled eleven distinct bee plant species distributed across six families, with Asteraceae being the most prevalent, primarily represented by Guizotia scabra and Vernonia amygdalina. Notably, the physicochemical, proximate, and antioxidant properties of SBH collected from modern pot hives exhibited significant variances (p <.05) when compared to SBH from wild nests. Principal component analysis (PCA) delineated the differentiation of SBH sources based on both geographical location and the type of beehive. One‐way ANOVA corroborated these distinctions, underscoring significantly higher levels (p <.05) of ash, electrical conductivity, free acidity, hydroxymethylfurfural, sucrose, total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and radical scavenging activities of SBH from modern pot hives in Wolmera. Whereas, Cheliya modern pot hives recorded higher values in pH, hydroxymethylfurfural and maltose contents compared to the wild nest SBH. Further analysis through Pearson correlation highlighted a strong positive association between total phenolic content and total flavonoid content with the antioxidant capacity of SBH. These findings underscore the significance of integrating modern pot hives to enhance the quality of SBH within Ethiopia's beekeeping sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Flower-visitor communities and plant-pollinator interactions are species- and region-specific and may vary spatially and temporally. We studied flower visitor interactions with curry plants, considering both daily fluctuations and differences across zones characterized by varying vegetation densities (i.e., dense, medium-density, and low-density vegetation). The visitors' richness, diversity, and abundance were higher in the area with dense vegetation. Specifically, between 10.00 h and 14.00 h, these parameters reached their peak, contrasting with lower activity observed during early mornings and late afternoons. For most visitors, the flower handling time was lower, and the visitation rate was higher in dense vegetation areas (at 10.00–14.00 h) than in medium- and low-density vegetation areas. The proportions of foraging categories varied over time, with higher ratios of mixed foragers observed in the early morning. Bee species, such as Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Halictus acrocephalus, Nomia iridescens, and Tetragonula iridipennis, and butterfly species, such as Appias libythea, were the most effective pollinators of curry plants. The effectiveness of pollinators also varied spatially and remained region-specific. In conclusion, flower-visitor communities and plant-pollinator interactions varied spatially and temporally. The reproductive success of flowering plants relates to flower-visitor communities and plant-pollinator interactions. These traits are species- and region-specific and vary across regions, pollinator groups, and plant species. However, little literature exists on the spatiotemporal variation in visitor activity, especially in India. Here, we aimed to depict the spatial and temporal variation in visitor activity on the curry plants (Bergera koenigii). Data were collected at different daytime slots from three vegetation zones (confirmed by field surveys and normalized difference vegetation index values in remote sensing)—dense, medium-density, and low-density vegetation in West Bengal, India. The visitors' richness, diversity, and abundance were higher in the area with dense vegetation. Considering daytime patterns, higher values for these parameters were obtained during 10.00–14.00 h. For most visitors, the flower handling time was shorter, and the visitation rate was higher in dense vegetation areas (at 10.00–14.00 h) than in medium- and low-density vegetation areas. The proportions of different foraging categories varied over time. Vital pollinators were Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Appias libythea, Halictus acrocephalus, Nomia iridescens, and Tetragonula iridipennis. However, the effectiveness of pollinators remained region-specific. Therefore, it can be concluded that floral visitors' richness, diversity, abundance, and plant-visitor interactions varied spatially with their surrounding vegetation types and also changed daytime-wise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bees play an important role by contributing to the pollination of a diverse range of crops and wild plants. However, bees are threatened by deforestation and habitat degradation caused by urbanization and agricultural intensification, which reduce floral and nesting resources.In this study, the effects of local (orchard size, flowering plant abundance and richness and floral abundance) and landscape factors (surrounding agricultural, forest and urban cover) on bee richness and abundance in mixed fruit orchards were determined from 28 mature orchards interspersed along a gradient of landscape complexity. Bees were observed for 15 min in 2 × 2 m plots. We categorized all bees into one of the three groups: (a) honey bees, (b) solitary bees and (c) stingless bees. Several local and landscape factors were found to influence bee richness and abundance. Honey bee abundance was positively affected by orchard size, whereas honey bee richness was not. Stingless bee richness and abundance were positively correlated with floral abundance. Forest cover within a 3‐km radius positively affected solitary bee richness. Solitary bee abundance was positively affected by forest cover within a 3‐km radius and negatively impacted by urban cover within a 1.5‐km radius. In our study area, small forest patches are found in abundance; thus, the high proportion of forest edge, relative to the forest interior, greatly supports solitary bee abundance and richness in this landscape. Moreover, most solitary bees are soil‐nesting species that may be excluded from environments that are converted from natural to anthropogenically developed areas.Recommendations to protect pollinators included conserving existing forest patches, especially forest margins; restoring forest patches within farmland landscapes; maintaining a diversity of herbs and grasses within mixed fruit orchards; establishing live fences composed of diverse plant species and retaining dead trees within farmland. For urban areas, augmenting floral resources in green spaces is suggested. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An eco-friendly technique for rapid multiplication of the stingless bee colonies, species Heterotrigona itama from Malaysia, to achieve the most effective in vitro queen production is highly needed. In this study, there were significant differences in the volumes of the queen larval food collected from different wild combs (114 µL,127 µL, and 138 µL) at the various sampling sites (F2,44 = 4.85, p < 0.05). While there was no significant difference (i.e. more consistent) in the humidity and temperature readings within the hives, at 68.2%–73.8% (F9,449 = 0.27, p > 0.05) and 24.5 °C–32 °C (F9,449 = 1.73 p > 0.05), respectively. For the rearing process, the optimum parameters were set up based on the optimised data for the first 10 days of the larval food, with the relative humidity (%) of 72 ± 2 and temperature (°C) 27 ± 5, similar to the inside hive values obtained in the field. Several modifications had been made by trial and error due to several reasons. A total of five replicated experiments conducted with three amounts of larval food on the ELISA plates showed that 127 µL and 138 µL gave the best results in the frequency of the hatched queens, with 75% to 77.5% survival. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed significant differences between the amounts of larval food given (χ2 = 10.385, df = 2, p < 0.05) in survival probability, with 138 µL showing the highest. These novel findings specifically obtained for the H. itama species with their optimum food supply, relative humidity, and temperature for in vitro rearing are very valuable for conservation purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic bacterium that can form a biofilm with the ability to colonize different surfaces and for increasing resistance to antibiotics. An alternative to solve this problem may be the use of non-glucose/mannose glycosylated proteins from Melipona beecheii honey, which are capable of inhibiting the growth of this pathogen. In this work, the antibiofilm activity of the conA-unbound protein fraction (F1) from M. beecheii was evaluated. The crude protein extract (CPE) and the F1 fraction inhibited the P. aeruginosa biofilm growth above 80% at 4 and 1.3 µg/mL, respectively. These proteins affected the structure of the biofilm, as well as fleQ and fleR gene expressions involved in the formation and regulation of the P. aeruginosa biofilm. The results demonstrated that the F1 fraction proteins of M. beecheii honey inhibit and affect the formation of the P. aeruginosa biofilm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Spathodea campanulata Beauv. (Bignoniaceae) is a plant frequently employed in the ornamentation of public squares and gardens, attributed to its rapid growth and showy flowers. However, its use is controversial due to the potentially toxic nectar, which can lead to significant mortality rates among various stingless bee species in Brazil, posing a risk to native biodiversity and disrupting natural ecosystems. The aim of this study was to quantify and identify the species of stingless bees found dead within the flowers of the Spathodea campanulata plant. This investigation was conducted at the Ondina Campus of the Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Brazil. Over a 15-day flowering period, 86 flowers from three specimens of this species were collected. After flower collection, the dead insects found within the flowers were extracted, stored, and identified at the Laboratory of Insect Bionomics, Biogeography, and Systematics (BIOSIS) at UFBA. The analysis revealed that all floral visitors were Hymenoptera insects, with 98.1% identified as bees (Apidae and Meliponini). In conclusion, S. campanulataflowers contain toxic compounds with insecticidal properties, leading to increased mortality among certain Melipona bee species. Melipona scutellaris and Apis mellifera bees are occasional visitors of the S. campanulata flowers; hence the lower mortality rates of these species. Given the damage caused by S. campanulata on native biodiversity, it is advised to avoid cultivating it in public squares, gardens, or in proximity to bee hives.

Community development provides empowerment and opportunities for the community to explore the potential and resources around them to increase their productivity and welfare. Empowerment can be done in many fields, such as agriculture and animal husbandry. The potential for community empowerment in agriculture and animal husbandry, which is multiplying effects, is the cultivation of stingless bees (Galo-galo). One of the areas with great potential for developing this cultivation was Nagari Tigo Balai Matur, Agam Regency, West Sumatra. This activity aims to facilitate the community regarding Galo-galo cultivation in the environment around the Nagari Tigo Balai Matur community, Agam Regency. The activity was conducted in May-August 2023, using counselling methods (education and direct facilitation/mentoring) with pilot practices in field activities. The results obtained from this activity were an increase in public knowledge about stingless bee farming (Galo-galo meliponiculture), the transfer of 21 Tetragonula sp. bee colonies to a maintenance box, and the appearance of very high public interest in galo-galo cultivation based on local potential.

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Meloponini) play a significant ecological role in tropical and subtropical regions. They have good utilization value in pollination, medicinal applications, and industrial raw materials. However, the habitats of stingless bees have experienced fragmentation owing to anthropogenic interventions in the natural environment. Consequently, this disruption precipitated a substantial decline in both population abundance and species diversity, placing them at risk of endangerment. Recognizing this scenario, implementing measures to safeguard and judiciously exploit the stingless bee population has become imperative because it has a profound impact on the harmonized advancement of domains encompassing agriculture, medicine, and ecological diversity. From July 2020 to June 2021, comprehensive questionnaire surveys were methodically conducted. The methods employed included participatory interviews and random interception sampling techniques, culminating in a dataset of 291 validated questionnaires. These surveys indicated that the denizens of the communities surrounding the national park predominantly comprise ethnic groups such as Li and Miao. These groups continue to rely primarily on traditional natural resources for their sustenance and livelihood. However, their awareness of the importance of conserving the stingless bee population remains conspicuously deficient. Among the residents displaying the willingness and capacity to contribute to stingless bee conservation efforts, their inclinations appear to be influenced by factors such as prior experience in beekeeping, comprehension of stingless bee products, and demand for beekeeping techniques. Analysis of the survey results underscores a conspicuous gap in the fundamental understanding of the value of stingless bees and their products. Among the community residents, 64.04% lacked this essential comprehension. Furthermore, 91.67% of community residents did not engage in stingless bee breeding activities, and 39.06% were unwilling to learn beekeeping techniques. These findings underscore multifaceted issues within the community pertaining to legal and regulatory frameworks for stingless bee conservation, the popularization of science regarding stingless bees, stingless bee breeding techniques, and other aspects. These inadequacies pose substantial impediments to the sustainable development of stingless bee resources in Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park. Given these challenges, conservation of stingless bees within the Hainan Tropical Rainforest National Park has emerged as an enduring and pivotal undertaking. In the promotion process, a strategy that encompasses enhanced science communication and public consciousness campaigns is essential. Fostering a positive public disposition towards conservation efforts, encouraging autonomous participation by residents in the conservation of stingless bees, and fostering a balanced coexistence between managed breeding and the protection of wild populations are vital approaches to ensuring the sustainability of stingless bee resources.

Stingless bee honey is a nutritious food that contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. It is known to have higher nutritional and medicinal properties compared to honey produced by other bee species. Cider is a well-known functional drink that contains high antioxidants, which can help protect against cellular damage caused by free radicals. This study aimed to investigate the potential of co-fermentation with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and bacterium (Lactobacillus sp.) in producing high-antioxidant honey cider when compare with standard antioxidant. The results showed that honey cider co-fermented with both microorganisms for 14 days had significantly higher antioxidant activity (145.27 ± 0.20 µg TE/mL) compared to single culture fermentation (p < 0.05). Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed the presence of several bioactive compounds in the stingless bee honey cider. These compounds include methylenecyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 2(5H)-furanone, 2-methylbicyclo[4.3.0]non-1(6)-ene, bicyclo[3.1.0]hex-2-ene, 4-methyl-1-(1-methylethyl), D-limonene, benzene, 1-(1-butenyl)-4-methoxy, and phytol. These compounds possess various beneficial activities, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. The identification of these compounds in the stingless bee honey cider suggests that it may have potential health benefits beyond its nutritional value. The co-fermentation approach using S. cerevisiae and Lactobacillus sp. could be considered a promising strategy for developing antioxidant-enriched honey cider with potential health benefits.

Stingless bees, a social corbiculate bee member, play a crucial role in providing pollination services. Despite their importance, the structure of their microbiome, particularly the fungal communities, remains poorly understood. This study presents an initial characterization of the fungal community associated with two Thai commercial stingless bee species, Lepidotrigona terminata (Smith) and Tetragonula pagdeni (Schwarz) from Chiang Mai, Thailand. Utilizing ITS amplicon sequencing, we identified distinct fungal microbiomes in these two species. Notably, fungi from the phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Mucoromycota, Mortierellomycota, and Rozellomycota were present. The most dominant genera, which varied significantly between species, included Candida and Starmerella. Additionally, several key enzymes associated with energy metabolism, structural strength, and host defense reactions, such as adenosine triphosphatase, alcohol dehydrogenase, β-glucosidase, chitinase, and peptidylprolyl isomerase, were predicted. Our findings not only augment the limited knowledge of the fungal microbiome in Thai commercial stingless bees but also provide insights for their sustainable management through understanding their microbiome.

Background: Honey from different geographical origins can have distinct characteristics due to variations in the floral sources available to stingless bees in different regions. The most abundant stingless bee for meliponiculture in Thailand is Tetragonula pagdeni. However, only a few studies about the properties of honey from a different origin were carried out. The objective of this study was focused on a comparative study to evaluate the melissopalynological, physicochemical, antioxidant activities, and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of stingless bee honey produced by T. pagdeni from different parts of Thailand. Results: Fifty honey samples were collected from five locations, and the physicochemical properties of T. pagdeni honey samples are acidic (pH 3.02-4.15) and have a high water content (18.42-25.06 %w/w), which is related to the regions of meliponary. Melisopalynological analysis reveals the predominant pollen from Melaleuca quinquenervia, Cocus nuciferca, Nephelium lappaceum, Salacca wallichiana, and multiflora honey. All honey samples were analyzed for their TPC and 2,2-diphenyl1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity. The results show that all samples had high TPC and antioxidant activities with a strong correlation (p < 0.05). Conclusion : s: The data from this study indicates the importance of geographical origin, which links physicochemical properties, phenolic compounds, and functional characteristics to their floral. Besides, the floral sources and harvesting location affected the properties of stingless bee honey. Our results identify Melaleuca honey as a promising source of phenolic content and antioxidant activity that can be used as a functional food, as well as multiflora and Cocus honey. However, further studies are required to characterize the phenolic compound and its biological potential, which could be a stingless bee honey biomarker and quality control, simultaneously with the physicochemical analysis.

Abstract Bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacterial hosts, are known to rule the dynamics and diversity of bacterial populations in a number of ecosystems. Bacterial communities residing in the gut of animals, known as the gut microbiome, have revolutionized our understanding of many diseases. However, the gut phageome, while of apparent importance in this context, remains an underexplored area of research. Here we identify for the first time genomic sequences from tailed viruses (Caudoviricetes) that are associated with the microbiome of stingless bees (Melipona quadrifasciata). Both DNA and RNA were extracted from virus particles isolated from healthy and diseased forager bees, the latter showing symptoms from an annual syndrome that only affects M. quadrifasciata. Viral contigs from previously sequenced metagenomes of healthy and diseased forager bees were used for the analyses. Using conserved proteins deduced from their genomes, we found that Caudoviricetes were only present in the worker bee gut microbiome from diseased stingless bees. The most abundant phages are phylogenetically related to phages that infect Gram-positive bacteria from the order Lactobacillales and Gram-negative bacteria from the genus Gilliamella and Bartonella, that are common honey bee symbionts. The potential implication of these viruses in the M. quadrifasciata syndrome is discussed.

In this paper, we provide taxonomic notes for species of the Trigona (Dichrotrigona) Engel, 2021, with additional photographs. An identification key and a distribution map of the species of this subgenus is also provided here. We also update records of Trigona (Dichrotrigona) sesquipedalis Almeida, 1984 (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) with the first records for the state of Roraima, Brazil.

An attempt was made to develop an effective bioassay method for toxicological studies for the stingless bee, Tetragonula travancorica Shanas and Faseeh. The developed bioassay employed stingless bees sampled from the forest area with no history of past insecticide exposure and vegetable ecosystem having frequent insecticide exposure with insecticides viz., chlorantraniliprole and thiamethoxam. A residual film bioassay using pre-treated conical flasks and transferring the bees to the treated flasks in the field itself was easy and less time-consuming. Stingless bees survived for 12 hours in the control flasks with the bioassay method III. Whereas mortality was significantly low in bioassay method I and II within 3h and 6h, respectively. Chlorantraniliprole was less toxic (LC50 - 10.98 ppm to 17.30 ppm) to stingless bees than thiamethoxam (LC50 - 0.30 ppm to 0.78 ppm). Thiamethoxam was highly toxic (LC50 - 0.30 ppm to 0.37 ppm) to bees from the forest ecosystem, whereas bees in the vegetable ecosystem were more tolerant (LC50 - 0.67 ppm to 0.78 ppm). The findings may help carry out ecotoxicology and risk assessment studies in stingless bees, a key pollinator of many crops, more rapidly and easily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]