Application of propolis in agriculture

Grimaldo Jorge Lemos De Carvalho,Geni Da Silva Sodré

doi:10.1590/1808-1657000632019

Grimaldo Jorge Lemos De Carvalho, Geni Da Silva Sodré

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1590/1808-1657000632019

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Abstract

ABSTRACT This work carried out a literary review of the different aspects related to the use of propolis in the management of plant crops and their advances in agriculture. Propolis is a product widely known for its therapeutic capacity. Due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, among other biological activities, its use has been studied in agriculture. Studies they show that the use of propolis via ethanolic propolis extract (EEP) provides beneficial effects on crops. These benefits are associated with the control of phytopathogens, postharvest preservation and conservation of fruits and vegetables and promotion of plant growth. There is evidence that benefits are the result of the propolis chemical composition that is especially rich in phenolic compounds and nutrients. In addition, the typical waxy property of propolis results in an efficient biofilm in plant tissues. There are still scarce reports showing that the use of EEP in crop management controls the presence of insects and reduces water stress in plants. Generally, studies are mainly focused on in vivo and greenhouse evaluations, requiring further research to elucidate the full potential of the use of propolis in crop management.

Highlights

Propolis is a gummy and resinous substance naturally produced by plants, that is collected by Apis mellifera bees in flower buds, sap flow, trichomes and other vegetable structures (GHISALBERTI, 1979; BANKOVA et al, 2002; BONAMIGO et al, 2017)
More than 300 substances have already been identified in different types of propolis, especially flavonoids, besides phenolic and fatty acids, terpenoids, vitamins, amino acids, sugars, proteins, and minerals (BURDOCK, 1998; BANKOVA et al, 2000; ALMEIDA; MENEZES, 2002; BANKOVA et al, 2002; TORETI et al, 2013)
The benefits of propolis have been known for centuries and ancient people used this product for therapeutic purposes (CASTALDO; CAPASSO, 2002; PEREIRA et al, 2015)

Summary

Introduction

Propolis is a gummy and resinous substance naturally produced by plants, that is collected by Apis mellifera bees in flower buds, sap flow, trichomes and other vegetable structures (GHISALBERTI, 1979; BANKOVA et al, 2002; BONAMIGO et al, 2017). Sustainability and organic food, the use of propolis in agriculture becomes attractive, having the potential to be widely incorporated in the management of vegetable crops of economic importance in the near future (PEREIRA et al, 2008).

Results

Conclusion