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.
Highlights
Baccharis is the largest genus of the subtribe Baccharidinae (Asteraceae) and is widely represented in South America with more than 500 native species (Barroso, 1976)
The main goal of this study was to evaluate biological parameters associated to Apis mellifera x Baccharis dracunculifolia interaction, in order to discover how resin production by this plant species contributes to green propolis production in the state of Minas Gerais
Two Baccharis dracunculifolia populations were used in this study: Fazenda São Judas Tadeu-FSJT (UTM 584413 and 7802335), municipality of Betim, MG, presenting heterogeneous vegetation composed of native species, invasive exotic, ornamental and fruit trees
Summary
Baccharis is the largest genus of the subtribe Baccharidinae (Asteraceae) and is widely represented in South America with more than 500 native species (Barroso, 1976). 0.5 to 4 m high, mostly evergreen shrubs and native from New World (Barroso, 1976). Plants occur in fields or open areas and constitute dense and dominant formations on uncultivated or degraded land (Araújo et al, 1995). In this species and others of the genus, blooming occurs after the rainy season (Boldt et al, 1988)
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