Tetragonula Laeviceps Research Articles

Flowering Phenology and Evaluation of Pollination Techniques to Achieve Acceptable Fruit Quality of Red-fleshed Pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) in Sabah, East Malaysia

As red-fleshed pitaya (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is not native to the tropical environment of the Malaysian state of Sabah, Borneo, little is known about its flowering phenology, pollination requirements, and potential pollinators, which has discouraged many farmers from growing this crop. Therefore, this study aimed to examine better pollination techniques to achieve acceptable fruit quality for red-fleshed pitaya production under local climatic conditions. For this purpose, stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps), self-pollination, natural pollination, and hand pollination were used. Pitayas were planted in the field from January 2018 to February 2022, and 40 flowers were observed to obtain data on flowering phenology and fruit quality. This study observed that anthesis of red-fleshed pitaya took about 24 hours in all treatments, depending on the local climate, starting at 6.30 p.m. and ending at 6.30 p.m. the next day. Besides self-pollination, the pitaya flowers were also successfully pollinated by natural, hand, and stingless bees. However, the fruits pollinated by stingless bees were the heaviest, longest, and thickest, indicating that the integration of pitaya cultivation and stingless bees is likely to improve the yield and quality of the fruits on the farm.

Characteristics of Indonesian Stingless Bee Propolis and Study of Metabolomic Properties Based on Region and Species.

The chemical compounds found in propolis vary according to plant sources, species, and geographical regions. To date, Indonesian propolis has not yet become standardized in terms of its chemical constituents. Thus, this study aimed to identify the presence of marker compounds and determine whether different classes of Indonesian propolis exist. In this study, yields, total polyphenol content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and antioxidants were measured. Identification of chemical compounds was carried out with Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Metaboanalyst 6.0 was employed in conducting principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) using the results of the FTIR and LC-MS/MS. The propolis with the highest TFC, TPC, and antioxidant activity was Geniotrigona thoracica from North Sumatra. The results of propolis compound mapping based on region with discriminant analysis revealed that types of propolis from Java have similar characteristics. Then, based on species, the types of propolis from Tetragonula laeviceps and Heterotrigona itama have special characteristics; the samples from these species can be grouped according to similar characteristics. In conclusion, 10 potential marker compounds were identified in Indonesian propolis, enabling regional and species-specific varieties of Indonesian propolis to be classified based on chemical composition mapping.

ANALYSIS OF PROPOLIS STINGLESS BEE BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS FROM SEVERAL REGIONS IN INDONESIA

Objective: Propolis is a bee product collected by honeybees from a resinous substance of various plant sources. Its antioxidant activities are different from various geographic origins. This study aimed to analyze bioactive compounds by lC-MS/MS, compare antioxidant activity total phenolic and flavonoid contents in stingless bee propolis samples from several regions in Indonesia. Methods: The propolis samples were taken from stingless bee hives of Tetragonula clypearis from Sumbawa, Tetragonula laeviceps from Magelang, Tetragonula biroi from Bogor, and Geniotrigona thoracica from South Kalimantan). Analysis of bioactive compounds was identified by lC-MS/MS. The quantification of the chemical compound determined its total phenolics and flavonoid (TPC and TFC) contents. The antioxidant activity was determined by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging assay. Results: The results of this study obtained 10 compounds from G. thoracica, 8 compounds each from T. laeviceps and T. biroi, and 7 compounds from T. clypearis. The results of TPC was ranging from 57.24±5.35 to 139.39±15.79 mg GAE/g. The TFC was ranging from 22.13±0.79 to 37.20±3.63 mg QE/g. With the highest TPC and TFC was propolis of G. thoracica. The IC50 of antioxidant activity was ranging from 11.12 to 162.72 ppm. Conclusion: The compounds contained in propolis T. clypearis, T. laeviceps, G. thoracica and T. biroi have a potential as a new herbal candidate as antioxidant agents.

Attractiveness of Tetragonula laeviceps (Hymenoptera: Apidae) to Citrus Volatile Compounds and Flower Colors in Indoor Microclimate Conditions

Tetragonula laeviceps plays a vital role as a primary pollinator of citrus flowers for successful pollination. However, there is still a lack of understanding about how T. laeviceps can find citrus flowers. This study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing the attraction of T. laeviceps to citrus flowers, focusing on microclimate conditions, and visual and olfactory factors. For this, we conducted six-choice assays in a stingless bee house using artificial flowers as visual cues and citrus essential oils as olfactory stimuli. Three pairs of red or white artificial flowers were displayed to adult workers, with each pair placed in glass vials filled with diluted orange (Citrus reticulata) essential oil, lemon (Citrus limon) essential oil, or solvent. Simultaneously, microclimate conditions were measured, including temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. We observed that the highest number of T. laeviceps visited the artificial flowers at 11:00, irrespective of visual and olfactory factors. We also found a positive correlation between the number of visits and both temperature and light intensity, whereas there was a negative correlation with humidity. The number of visits did not exhibit a significant difference between flower colors. In contrast, we observed the highest visitation to the orange essential oil, followed by the lemon essential oil and solvent. Gas Chromatograph – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis revealed common terpenes in orange and lemon essential oils, while linalool and α-citral were predominantly detected in the orange essential oil. These characteristic terpenes could potentially be the attractants for T. laeviceps.

Pollinator insects on sugar palm (Arenga pinnata Merr.) in South Sumatera, Indonesia

Sugar palm production depends heavily on pollinator insects, including some insects related to A. pinnata. This study aimed to identify pollinating insect species, distribution, and biodiversity in four South Sumatran regions. Sweep nets and yellow sticky traps placed around the flowers of sugar palms were used to catch insects once a week. The trap is set up once every 24 hours. In the Ogan Ilir region, pollinating insect species such as Epuraea aestiva, Mystrops costaricensis, Elaidobius sp., Gabrius sp., and Brachypepluis sp. have been found. Apis meliefera, Apis cerana, Poliba occidentalis, Papilio sp., and Drosophila are found in the Musi Banyuasin of Ogan Komering Ilir (OKI). Drosophila, Graphium agamemnon, Appias libythea, Pothantus lydia, Mycalesis perseus, Vespa affinis, Tetragonula laeviceps, Tabanus sp., Aedes albopictus, Neurothemis fluctuans, Ypthima baldus, Cupha erymanthis, and Apis cerana were found in Muara Enim. Additionally, Muara Enim had the highest pollinator population, while Ogan Ilir had the lowest. Observations showed that the yellow sticky trap technique operated more effectively than the sweep net. The community is anticipated to gain from research by learning more about pollinating insects connected to sugar palms, their role in the surrounding ecosystem, and the bioecology of sugar palms.

Effect of abamectin and profenofos insecticide on stingless bee, Tetragonula laeviceps Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini)

Pollinators such as the bee Tetragonula laeviceps Smith are essential components of ecosystems that provide services to plants. However, the massive use of pesticides in crops can affect the existence of pollinating bees and even cause a decrease in bee populations in the field. This study aimed to determine the effect of abamectin and profenofos insecticides on T. laeviceps. The methods used in the test were bee attractiveness bioassay, toxicity test of dermal application (topical and residual), and oral application with the abamectin and profenofos. The results of the bioassay showed that bees were more attracted to the aroma of the insecticide abamectin 180 ppm than profenofos 1500 ppm. The recommended concentrations of abamectin and profenofos in the field were 180 and 1500 ppm, respectively, so this topical and oral application showed a high level of danger to bees because it can kill >80% of bees. The LD50 values of the insecticides abamectin (0.0064 ppm) and profenofos (0.0345 ppm) were classified as highly toxic based on EPA classification. Therefore, insecticides with active ingredients, particularly abamectin and profenofos, are harmful to T. laeviceps.

In vitro cytotoxic activity on KATO-III cancer cell lines of mangiferolic acid purified from Thai Tetragonula laeviceps propolis

Gastric cancer is a global health concern, but current treatment with chemotherapy and surgery is often inadequate, prompting the exploration of alternative treatments. Propolis is a natural substance collected by bees known for its diverse properties linked to floral sources. The Dichloromethane Partitioned Extract (DPE) from Tetragonula laeviceps propolis, in Bankha district, Thailand was previously shown to possess significant cytotoxicity against KATO-III gastric cancer cells, while showing lower cytotoxicity toward WI-38 normal fibroblast cells. Here, the DPE was further fractionated by column chromatography, identified active fractions, and subjected to structural analysis using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Cytotoxicity against KATO-III cells was reevaluated, and programmed cell death was analyzed using flow cytometry. Expression levels of cancer-related genes were measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Cardol C15:2 (compound 1) and mangiferolic acid (MF; compound 2) were discovered in the most active fractions following structural analysis. MF exhibited strong cytotoxicity against KATO-III cells (IC50 of 4.78–16.02 μg/mL), although this was less effective than doxorubicin (IC50 of 0.56–1.55 μg/mL). Morphological changes, including decreased cell density and increased debris, were observed in KATO-III cells treated with 30 μg/mL of MF. Significant induction of late-stage apoptosis and necrosis, particularly at 48 and 72 h, suggested potential DNA damage and cell cycle arrest, evidenced by an increased proportion of sub-G1 and S-phase cells. Doxorubicin, the positive control, triggered late apoptosis but caused more necrosis after 72 h. Furthermore, MF at 30 μg/mL significantly increased the expression level of COX2 and NFκB genes linked to inflammation and cell death pathways. This upregulation was consistent at later time points (48 and 72 h) and was accompanied by increased expression of CASP3 and CASP7 genes. These findings suggest MF effectively induces cell death in KATO-III cells through late apoptosis and necrosis, potentially mediated by upregulated inflammation-related genes.

The diversity of stingless bee (Apidae: Meliponini) in Batusangkar, West Sumatra: the current meliponiculture status

The study on the diversity of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Batusangkar was conducted from September until December 2020. This study aimed to inventory stingless bee species at meliponicultures in three subdistricts of Batusangkar City in Tanah Datar Regency, West Sumatra. The study surveyed the meliponiculture sites by purposive sampling and directly collecting, by hand, the workers of the stingless bee at their colony entrances. A total of 5 species of stingless bees from 44 colonies were collected. The species with the most abundant population observed was Heterotrigona itama (23 colonies). Other four species shortly followed i.e., Geniotrigona thoracica (10 colonies), Tetragonula laeviceps (seven colonies), Tetragonula fuscobalteata (three colonies), and Homotrigona fimbriata (one colony). The diversity of stingless bees in this study was thought to be influenced by species’ productivity and behavior that work in their favor to be included by the farmers in their meliponiculture. This study presents the most suitable species of stingless bees to breed in the meliponiculture environment in Batusangkar.

Unraveling the floral preference: Bee pollen identification and characterization of Tetragonula laeviceps

The stingless bee (Tetragonula laeviceps) is capable of yielding products such as honey, propolis, and bee pollen, which hold promise as potential sources of nutrition or alternatives in the field of medicine. The physical and chemical attributes of these products are influenced by intrinsic factors, including dietary sources and bee species, as well as extraneous variables such as management techniques, seasonal variations, and environmental parameters. The Campus of the Biology Faculty UGM encompasses a rich repository of flowering plant species that present a viable resource for the sustenance of stingless bees. Consequently, this research endeavor seeks to delineate and characterize the plant species that serve as the sustenance of stingless bees by elucidating the pollen types discovered within their nest. Pollen specimens were directly procured from the nests and subjected to be analyzed with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). At least four distinct varieties of pollen have been identified, originating from divergent plant species, namely those belonging to the Pinaceae, Fabaceae, Myrtaceae, and Brassicaceae families. The dietary preferences of stingless bees, as discerned through the identification of pollen types, exhibit congruence with the plant species in the vicinity of their nesting sites.

Elemental Analysis of Tetragonula laeviceps Propolis by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

Propolis, a natural substance produced by stingless bees (Tetragonula laeviceps), consists of a blend of resins collected from plant exudates and other botanical sources. Bees utilize propolis for hive maintenance and protection against predators. Propolis is widely used in various therapeutic formulations, including treatments for upper respiratory tract infections, burns, acne, herpes, and neurodermatitis. The propolis samples were analyzed using Olympus DELTA Professional Handheld XRF Analyzer. This study employs X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis to investigate the elemental composition of propolis. Data results of XRF were presented in percentage with limit detection into ppm (%, ppm). The result showed that the three most dominant elements composition in propolis sample from FB 1 were Ca(77.12%) ; K(11.59%), and SO3(5.18%). Propolis Sample from KP 1 were Fe(31.73%);Ca (26.42%); and K(14.04%). Propolis Sample from KP 2 were K(28.32%); P2O5(24.35%); and Ca(18.82%). The conclusion was that the three propolis samples contained 2 constant elements, namely Calcium (Ca) and Potassium (K). Calcium and Potassium were found to be essential functions in all organisms.

Effects of meliponiculture Tetragonula laeviceps on productivity, physical and chemical characteristics of tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum)

Tomato plants are widely grown in Indonesia using the open agriculture system. However, the widespread application of pesticides in horticultural farming, such as tomato, has prevented pollinators from visiting flowers, contributing to decreased diversity and population due to climate change and pollen and nectar availability in agroecosystems. This study aimed to determine the effects of pollination by stingless bee (Tetragonula laeviceps) on pollination success, fruit yield, and estimated productivity on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). Furthermore, the effects of T. laeviceps as a pollinator was investigated on the physical and chemical characteristics of tomato fruit. This study used two treatments: with and without meliponiculture T. laeviceps. Pollination success and fruit yield increased on with meliponiculture (30.91% and 68.68%, respectively) compared without meliponiculture. The physical (fruit weight, diameter, and mesocarp) and chemical characteristics (moisture content, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, ascorbic acid, and lycopene) of tomato fruit were not affected by T. laeviceps pollination. Meliponiculture T. laeviceps increased pollination success, fruit yield, and estimated productivity but had no effects on the physical and chemical characteristics of tomato fruit. The application of meliponiculture T. laeviceps in tomato plantations proved to be a valuable strategy for increasing productivity.

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis from Tetragonula laeviceps: Selective Cytotoxicity for MCF-7 Breast Cancer cells

Ethanolic Extract of Propolis from Tetragonula laeviceps: Selective Cytotoxicity for MCF-7 Breast Cancer cells

Morphometric and molecular identification, domestication, and potentials of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Pratama MN, Agus A, Umami N, Agussalim, Purwanto H. 2023. Morphometric and molecular identification, domestication, and potentials of stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini) in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 6107-6118. The purpose of this study is to identify the stingless bee species found in Mount Halimun Salak National Park, Sukabumi, and investigate the potential for its domestication. Four resorts within the Park, Cimantaja, Mount Koneng, Mount Bodas, and Kawah Ratu, were chosen as the sampling sites. The random sampling method was used to collect samples of stingless bees by working with locals. The collected bees were subsequently identified using their morphological and morphometrics features. Two species of stingless bees, Tetragonula laeviceps and Heterotrigona itama were found in the Park. The results of the 16S rRNA mtDNA gene sequencing confirmed the identity of the specimen of the stingless bees. Moreover, 37 colonies of T. laeviceps and 7 of H. itama were collected. The T. laeviceps were found in all four resorts, but the H. itama were only successfully collected from Kawah Ratu resort. The possibility for domestication and meliponiculture was investigated through observation and interviews with locals who shared their knowledge and the meliponiculture practices surrounding the Park. The study showed that T. laeviceps has more potential to be utilized in meliponiculture in the surrounding area of the Park.

Vegetation Analysis of the Area Surrounding a Wild Nest of Stingless Bees Tetragonula laeviceps (Smith, 1857) in Sumedang Regency, West Java

Indonesia is a mega biodiversity country that has a very abundant diversity of plants. Plant diversity is inseparable from the role of insects that help to pollinate them. One such insect is the stingless bee Tetragonula laeviceps, a bee that has a relatively small-to-medium body size and does not have a sting. Sumedang Regency is one of the regencies in the province of West Java; most of the Sumedang area consists of mountains and has protected forest areas with high biodiversity. The purpose of this study is to determine the biodiversity index of the vegetation around the Tetragonula laeviceps wild nests. Data collection is carried out using the method of inventory and systematic checkered lines, with a total plot of 320. The results of the study show that the vegetation is composed of 229 plant species from 75 families. The most dominant vegetation type with the highest value of KR, FR, DR, and INP in all plant categories is the Aren tree species (Arenga pinnata). The Shannon–Wiener diversity index in this tree category is 3186, the pole category is 3107, the sapling category is 3418, the seedling category is 3657, and the understory plants category is 3409, with all of the plant categories included in the high-diversity category.

Effects of meliponiculture Tetragonula laeviceps on pollinator diversity and visitation rate and citrus productivity in West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Nurdiansyah MA, Abduh MY, Permana AD. 2023. Effects of meliponiculture Tetragonula laeviceps on pollinator diversity and visitation rate and citrus productivity in West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5757-5763. Citrus reticulata var. Rimau Gerga Lebong (RGL) is a prominent Indonesian citrus variety, yet its global productivity is facing challenges due to decreasing diversity in pollinators. This study aimed to bolster the productivity of C. reticulata var. RGL in Bandung by introducing Tetragonula laeviceps Smith 1857 (Hymenoptera: Apidae). Simultaneously, the study explored the influence of pollinator diversity, foraging behavior, and visitation rates and compared the results with open and wind pollination. Field investigations were conducted to observe the pollination activities of T. laeviceps and eight wild pollinator species, including Apis cerana Fabricius 1793, Ceratina cognata Smith 1879, Xylocopa confusa Pérez 1901, Xylocopa latipes Drury 1773, Vespa affinis Linnaeus 1764, Dolichoderus thoracicus Smith 1860, Papilio demoleus Linnaeus 1758, and Catopsilia pyrantel Linnaeus 1758. T. laeviceps exhibited the highest relative abundance (34.87%) and an average time spent of 72.11 seconds per flower. Visitation rates were highest during noon (10:00 to 13:00) at 0.31 pollinators/hour/flower, influenced by temperature, relative humidity, and light intensity. The phenological stages of C. reticulata var. RGL spanned 240 days. Fruit set, fruit weight, and estimated citrus productivity were significantly higher in T. laeviceps and open pollination compared to wind pollination. This study highlights the suitability of T. laeviceps as an effective pollinator for C. reticulata var. RGL. The findings have implications for the conservation and management of pollinator populations to ensure sustainable citrus production in the declining global diversity.

Stingless bees tongue morphology is different compared to honeybees

Stingless bee species including Geniotrigona thoracica, Heterotrigona itama, and Tetragonula laeviceps are cultivated domestically in Malaysia to produce honey and bee bread and to encourage plant pollination. Bees use their mouthparts to extract nectar from diverse flowers. Different bee species are attracted to the nectar of these flowers, which is produced in varying concentrations. Understanding the morphology of the mouthparts in various stingless bee species is crucial for comprehending their robust foraging behaviour, a subject currently little explored. This study aimed to examine the detailed structure of G. thoracica, H. itama, and T. laeviceps mouthparts, with a focus on the tongue (glossa) structure. Our findings revealed that each of these three stingless bee species possesses a distinct flabellum geometry. Furthermore, we demonstrated that, in contrast to honeybees, each sensilla on the stingless bees’ flabellum is composed of a single sensilla strand. Owing to this distinction, we discuss the potential difference in nectar extraction efficiency between honeybees and stingless bees. A comprehensive understanding of bees’ mouthparts contributes to the conservation of plants and bees by optimising pollination efficiency, supporting plant reproduction, encouraging habitat conservation, and guiding native plant restoration efforts. By protecting these crucial interactions, we can safeguard ecosystems and ensure the continued survival of these invaluable pollinators and the plants they rely on.

Distribution and Characteristics of Two Species of Stingless Bee Hives (Tetragonula spp.) in the Rural Landscape of Sumedang Regency (Indonesia)

Tetragonula beekeeping is in high demand, and the activity of hunting wild Tetragonula bees in nature is increasing. The purpose of this study was to determine the type and distribution of wild stingless bee colonies in the Sumedang area of Indonesia, as well as the characteristics of their hives in nature. We used survey methods in this research. Data collection was accomplished by studying and collecting biotic and abiotic data around hives. Two species of Tetragonula bees were found, namely Tetragonula laeviceps Smith at 71 locations in 6 sub-districts and Tetragonula drescheri Schwarz at 9 locations in 5 districts. Tetragonula bees like to occupy building gaps and holes in the stems of tall plants. Differences were found in the length of the hive entrance, the thickness of the hive door, the texture of the hive door, and the direction of the hive door for each species. Environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity greatly affect colony activity, whereas wind speed and weather conditions affect the condition of the hive door. The presence of food sources around the hive also affects the survival of the colony and colony activity.

Tropical lowland rainforest conversion to rubber monoculture affects flight activity and pollen resources of the stingless bees Tetragonula laeviceps

Tropical lowland rainforest conversion leads to decreases diversity and population in insect pollinators, including stingless bees. However, how stingless bees respond to this conversion is still being studied. In this study we observed the number of flight activities of the Tetragonula laeviceps (Smith) in three converted land types in Jambi, Sumatra; identified the pollen resources of T. laeviceps from the collected pollen in the hind tibia; and exploring the flowering plants surrounding the T. laeviceps nests. Four flight activities were observed, i.e., flying out of the nest, returning with pollen, returning without pollen, and returning with resin. In addition to the flight activity, we observed flight direction and environmental factors and identified pollen composition from the hind tibia of stingless bees. This study showed that forest fragments had the highest number of bees flying out of the nest. Bees returning with or without pollen in the fragmented forest with high coverage were higher than in other habitats. The highest number of bees returning with resin was found in the rubber plantation with high coverage, while the lowest number of all flight activities were observed in the shrub with low coverage. The stingless bees mainly collected pollen from rubber flowers supported by their flight directions leading to blooming rubber trees. Our study showed that the conversion of tropical lowland rainforests in this case rubber plantation affects on decreasing the flight activities and pollen collecting of stingless bees, which may have a significant impact on the resources needed by the bees.

Contribution of phenolics to the antioxidant potential of propolis from Tetragonula laeviceps and Tetragonula pegdeni and its correlation to the dominant plant sources in different regions in Thailand

Propolis is a natural product produced by bees and has antioxidant properties that depend on the local flora and the bee species. Propolis from two dominant stingless bee species in Thailand, Tetragonula laeviceps and Tetragonula pegdeni were collected from four locations in Ratchaburi province and one location in Chiangmai province, with different dominant plants at each location. Samples were extracted in methanol (MeOH) and sequentially partitioned with hexane, dichloromethane (DCM), and MeOH. All partitioned extracts were examined by three antioxidant methods: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing ability (FRAP) assays. For the DPPH, the MeOH-partitioned extract of T. laeviceps from Bankha district (MPE7) was the most active [50% effective concentration (EC50) of 75.62 µg/mL), while the DCM-partitioned extract of T. pegdeni from Suan phueng district (DPE2) was the most active in the ABTS and FRAP assays (EC50 of 22.06 µg/mL and 10.23 mM/g, respectively). DPE2 also showed the highest phenolic and flavonoid contents (98.94 µg gallic acid equivalents/mg dry weight and 286.07 µg quercetin equivalents/mg, respectively). High performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed the identification and quantification of 12 phenolic compounds, with the highest concentration of vitexin in MPE7 and MPE5. Interestingly, kaempferol (5.16 µg/mg) was only detected in DPE2. The different antioxidant properties among sites are expected due to the specific flora in each location. Furthermore, the bioactivity of propolis extracts differs significantly between bee species in a similar location, suggesting that they have different flora preferences. These results verify the potential of extracts to effectively scavenge radicals.

Stingless bee pollen product from Mount Merapi Slope, Turi Yogyakarta Indonesia

Stingless beekeeping practice (meliponiculture) in Indonesia is known to have an important role in flowering plant pollination outcomes as the stingless bee species is widely distributed across most regions of the country. As a social insect, lebah klaceng (the local name of stingless bee) consists of many species which produces honey, bee pollen, and propolis. It has been found that higher diversity of the collected pollens indicates a higher success of pollination outcomes for different kinds of flowering plants. Thus, the aim of this study is to identify the diversity of collected stingless bee pollens in the meliponiculture practice at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia by observing the pollen characteristics. Acetolysis method was used in the preparation of the collected pollens for identification. The pollens were then observed under a light microscope. The result showed that the stingless bee pollens collected from Mount Merapi Slope were successfully obtained from various flowering plants belonging to 31 families dominated by Arecaceae (46.60%), followed by Asteraceae (6.90%), and Malvaceae (5.70%). It can be concluded that the stingless bee, Tetragonula laeviceps, is a good pollinator insect which supports the successful pollination of up to 31 families of flowering plants found at the Mount Merapi Slope, Turi, Yogyakarta, Indonesia.