Impact of pesticides on exotic bees (Apis mellifera) and native bees (Scaptotrigona xanthotricha): analytic and radiometric techniques applied in Neotropical agriculture

• Grant number: 24/15543-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2028
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Plant Health
• Principal Investigator: Kassio Ferreira Mendes
• Grantee: Thiago Svacina
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project aims to investigate the effects of pesticides on exotic bees (Apis mellifera) and native stingless bees (Scaptotrigona xanthotricha) within the context of Neotropical agriculture. Conducted at the Ecotoxicology Laboratory of the Center for Nuclear Energy in Agriculture (CENA/USP), the research utilizes advanced techniques for contaminant analysis and tracing. The study is structured into several key phases: multi-residue analysis in bee products, determination of bee susceptibility to selected pesticides, assessment of sublethal effects on behavior and physiology, and tracking of radiolabeled pesticide distribution within colonies. The project begins with a comprehensive literature review to identify major contaminants in bee products such as pesticides' active ingredients and components of their formulations. Samples of honey, pollen, wax, and propolis will be collected from various producing regions in Brazil and analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry for residue quantification. wo insecticides, two fungicides, and two herbicides relevant to agriculture and the environment will be selected. Subsequent bioassays will determine the susceptibility of bees to selected pesticides, establishing dose-response curves and survival curves. In addition, sublethal effects will be investigated through assays measuring food consumption, flight ability, learning, and walking behavior. These tests will provide insights into the impacts of pesticides beyond immediate mortality, offering a broader understanding of sublethal effects on bee biology. An innovative aspect of this project is the use of radiolabeled pesticides to trace contaminant distribution within colonies. This method allows for precise observation of pesticide transfer and accumulation across different castes and developmental stages, providing critical data on environmental risks associated with pesticide use. Ultimately, the project will develop innovative guidelines for integrated pest and pollinator management (IPPM) in agriculture. By minimizing the impact of pesticides on bee populations and ensuring the safety of bee products, this research will contribute to agricultural sustainability. The findings will be disseminated through publications in high-impact scientific journals, presentations at scientific conferences, and communication with regulatory agencies involved in pest management practices in the field.