Melissopalynology in Brazilian seacoast mangrove areas, a mini review

Author(s)

Barth, Ortrud Monika ; de Lima, Leonardo Melo ; da Luz, Cynthia Fernandes Pinto

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: GRANA; v. 63, n. 3, p. 12-pg., 2024-07-02.

Abstract

Along the Brazilian coast, there are several types of mangroves with a variable predominance of trees of the genera Avicennia and Rizophora, as well as of the Laguncularia racemosa species. Mangrove beekeeping is a potential alternative source of income for many coastal communities in Brazil. Research activities on melissopalynology were initiated on Apis mellifera bees mainly by Barth and Luz in Rio de Janeiro, and with native bees by Kerr et al. in Maranh & atilde;o States during the last century. Pollen analysis of honey, bee pollen and propolis were presented covering the Brazilian macroregions of the south, southeast, northeast and north. Bees showed preferential interest in Laguncularia racemosa in the southeast region. Studies with native bees are underway in an urban mangrove area of Rio de Janeiro. Laguncularia pollen occurred in reduced proportions in both honey and bee pollen. Avicennia predominated in the northeast region samples. Two samples of honey obtained from indigenous bees in the State of Esp & iacute;rito Santo, one sample from Maranh & atilde;o and one sample of honey from Apis mellifera from Pernambuco, showed both Laguncularia and Avicennia pollen. All mangrove areas studied clearly showed the importance of Laguncularia racemosa. Studies of propolis highlighted the importance of vegetation along the inner edges of mangroves, such as Dalbergia ecastaphyllum, Schinus terebinthifolia and Symphonia globulifera. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/50341-0 - Challenges for biodiversity conservation facing climate changes, pollution, land use and occupation (PDIp)
• Grantee: Luiz Mauro Barbosa
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - State Research Institutes Modernization Program