Abstract
Stingless bee (Apidae, Meliponini) is a group of eusocial insects that widely distributed in the neotrophic regions of the globe. Similar to honeybees, stingless bees produce honey that is usually valued much higher, likely due to both its unique flavor and properties. In this study, honey samples produced by stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps species complex were collected from different meliponary in Eastern Thailand (Rayong, Chantaburi, and Trat provinces). The honey samples were examined the physicochemical parameters, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. The results revealed the physicochemical parameter of honey from T. laeviceps species complex to be an average color (75 ± 15 mm Pfund), moisture (27 ± 2 g/100 g), pH (3.70 ± 0.3), total sugar (50 ± 7.80 g/100 g), electrical conductivity (0.62 ±0.15 ms/cm) and the soluble solids (51.70 ± 4.12 °Brix). Besides, the honey from the T. laeviceps species complex showed the highest reducing power (18 ± 1.20%) and antimicrobial property against four species of bacteria (Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeroginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium) and yeast (Candida albicans).
Highlights
Stingless bee is a highly eusocial insect as well as a honey bee
The majority of managed stingless bees for meliponiculture is Tetragonula laeviceps species complex, which widely distributed across the country
2.1 Stingless bee T. laeviceps species complex and honey samples Thirty samples of stingless bees and honey were collected from different meliponary in the Eastern part of Thailand (Rayong, Chantaburi, and Trat provinces) during the summer of 2019
Summary
Stingless bee is a highly eusocial insect as well as a honey bee. These bees are inhabitants of the tropics area around the world. Stingless bee belongs to the family Hymenoptera and subfamily Meliponinae, with over 500 species in 32 genera worldwide [1]. In Thailand, the stingless bee is distributed in all areas; about 32 species in 10 genera have been reported [2]. A few species can be cultured in the artificial hive for meliponiculture. The majority of managed stingless bees for meliponiculture is Tetragonula laeviceps species complex, which widely distributed across the country. The meliponiculture industry in Thailand is still an infant phase but expanding.
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