RESUMO

Loss and fragmentation of native vegetation negatively affect crop pollinators and productivity of several crop species. The yellow passion fruit is an excellent model to investigate this issue, because its main pollinators are sensitive to deforestation. Seasonality also influences fruit set of crop species that are pollinated by bees. Climate determines plant flowering patterns and consequently affects pollinator activity. Little is known on effects of pollinators on crop quality in general, and particularly of many tropical fruits that have multiple fruiting seasons throughout the year, such as passion fruit. Our hypothesis is that the distance to the native vegetation and climate seasonality affect the pollination and fruit production of cultivated, hermaphrodite, self-incompatible, protandrous species that depend on large-sized bees to set fruit. We observed flowers of the yellow passion fruit in eight areas at different distances (600-4,000 m) from a dry seasonal forest (Caatinga). We compared the frequency of the main floral visitor (pollinators and robbers) visits and fruit set among areas at the beginning and end of the dry and rainy seasons. Xylocopa species were pollinators, and Apis mellifera, Trigona spinipes and a hummingbird were robbers. Xylocopa visits diminished with increasing distance to native remnants, converse to what was observed for the robbers at the beginning of the dry season. Fruit set was higher at the beginning of the dry season. The distance to the forest affected quality of fruits in terms of length, diameter and skin thickness, which all decreased with increase in remnant distance. Our results show that insect pollination is higher in the dry season, increasing profitability and reducing labour costs for the producer. Considering the influence of distance to native vegetation on pollination, robbery and fruit quality, our study reinforces the necessity for conservation of native vegetation remnants.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Two new records of gynandromorphs in Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Gynandromorphs are deviant morphological individuals with genetically distinct male and female tissues. Records of sex anomalies seems to be important to better understand the mechanisms regulating phenotypic expression. Herein, two new cases of gynandromorphs in carpenter bee species of Xylocopa from Brazil are described and figured: a mixed gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) brasilianorum (Linnaeus, 1767) from São Paulo and a bilateral gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) ordinaria Smith, 1874 from Sergipe.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Two new records of gynandromorphs in Xylocopa Latreille, 1802 (Hymenoptera, Apidae). Gynandromorphs are deviant morphological individuals with genetically distinct male and female tissues. Records of sex anomalies seems to be important to better understand the mechanisms regulating phenotypic expression. Herein, two new cases of gynandromorphs in carpenter bee species of Xylocopa from Brazil are described and figured: a mixed gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) brasilianorum (Linnaeus, 1767) from São Paulo and a bilateral gynandromorph of the X. (Neoxylocopa) ordinaria Smith, 1874 from Sergipe.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. METHODS: The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. RESULTS: Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. CONCLUSION: We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Gynandromorphism is the most common case of sexual anomaly reported in bees and is characterized by individuals that show male and female traits simultaneously in the body. Gynandromorphic cases have been reported for 140 species of bees, an underestimated number comparing to the twenty thousand bee species described nowadays. Here we describe and illustrate the first case of a gynandromorphic Xylocopa darwini Cockerell, 1926 and the fourth case of Xylocopa varipuncta Patton, 1879. The specimens show a mixed form of gynandromorphism with predominantly female features and with all its male traits concentrated in one side of the body, right side in X. darwini and left side in X. varipuncta. The gynanders of X. darwini and X. varipuncta were collected on Isabela Island (Galapagos - Ecuador) and Riverside (California - USA), and were deposited in Smithsonian Collection and California Academy of Sciences, respectively. Including this work, eighteen cases of gynandromorphism were reported to Xylocopa and twelve were recorded from Neoxylocopa subgenus.

RESUMO Ginandromorfismo é o caso mais comum de anomalia sexual registrado para abelhas e destaca-se por indivíduos que apresentam características simultâneas de machos e de fêmeas no corpo. Casos de ginandromorfos foram registrados para aproximadamente 140 espécies de abelhas, um número subestimado comparado às vinte mil espécies de abelhas descritas atualmente. No presente trabalho, o primeiro registro de ginandromorfismo para Xylocopa darwini Cockerell, 1926 e o quarto caso para Xylocopa varipuncta Patton, 1879 são descritos e ilustrados. Os espécimes apresentam a forma mista de ginandromorfo com características de fêmeas predominantes e as de machos concentradas em uma lateral do corpo, lado direito em X. darwini e esquerdo em X. varipuncta. Os ginandromorfos de X. darwini and X. varipuncta foram coletados na Ilha Isabela (Galápagos - Ecuador) e em Riverside (California - USA), e estavam depositados nas coleções entomológicas do Smithsonian e da Academia de Ciências da Califórnia, respectivamente. Incluindo as abelhas do presente trabalho, dezoito casos de ginandromorfismo estão registrados para abelhas do gênero Xylocopa e doze para o subgênero Neoxylocopa.

RESUMO

ABSTRACT Gynandromorphism is the most common case of sexual anomaly reported in bees and is characterized by individuals that show male and female traits simultaneously in the body. Gynandromorphic cases have been reported for 140 species of bees, an underestimated number comparing to the twenty thousand bee species described nowadays. Here we describe and illustrate the first case of a gynandromorphic Xylocopa darwini Cockerell, 1926 and the fourth case of Xylocopa varipuncta Patton, 1879. The specimens show a mixed form of gynandromorphism with predominantly female features and with all its male traits concentrated in one side of the body, right side in X. darwini and left side in X. varipuncta. The gynanders of X. darwini and X. varipuncta were collected on Isabela Island (Galapagos - Ecuador) and Riverside (California - USA), and were deposited in Smithsonian Collection and California Academy of Sciences, respectively. Including this work, eighteen cases of gynandromorphism were reported to Xylocopa and twelve were recorded from Neoxylocopa subgenus.

RESUMO Ginandromorfismo é o caso mais comum de anomalia sexual registrado para abelhas e destaca-se por indivíduos que apresentam características simultâneas de machos e de fêmeas no corpo. Casos de ginandromorfos foram registrados para aproximadamente 140 espécies de abelhas, um número subestimado comparado às vinte mil espécies de abelhas descritas atualmente. No presente trabalho, o primeiro registro de ginandromorfismo para Xylocopa darwini Cockerell, 1926 e o quarto caso para Xylocopa varipuncta Patton, 1879 são descritos e ilustrados. Os espécimes apresentam a forma mista de ginandromorfo com características de fêmeas predominantes e as de machos concentradas em uma lateral do corpo, lado direito em X. darwini e esquerdo em X. varipuncta. Os ginandromorfos de X. darwini and X. varipuncta foram coletados na Ilha Isabela (Galápagos - Ecuador) e em Riverside (California - USA), e estavam depositados nas coleções entomológicas do Smithsonian e da Academia de Ciências da Califórnia, respectivamente. Incluindo as abelhas do presente trabalho, dezoito casos de ginandromorfismo estão registrados para abelhas do gênero Xylocopa e doze para o subgênero Neoxylocopa.

RESUMO

Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.(AU)

Assuntos

RESUMO

Abstract Background Mass spectrometry-guided venom peptide profiling is a powerful tool to explore novel substances from venomous animals in a highly sensitive manner. In this study, this peptide profiling approach is successfully applied to explore the venom peptides of a Japanese solitary carpenter bee, Xylocopa appendiculata (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Apidae: Anthophila: Xylocopinae: Xylocopini). Although interesting biological effects of the crude venom of carpenter bees have been reported, the structure and biological function of the venom peptides have not been elucidated yet. Methods The venom peptide profiling of the crude venom of X. appendiculata was performed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectroscopy. The venom was purified by a reverse-phase HPLC. The purified peptides were subjected to the Edman degradation, MS/MS analysis, and/or molecular cloning methods for peptide sequencing. Biological and functional characterization was performed by circular dichroism analysis, liposome leakage assay, and antimicrobial, histamine releasing and hemolytic activity tests. Results Three novel peptides with m/z 16508, 1939.3, and 1900.3 were isolated from the venom of X. appendiculata. The peptide with m/z 16508 was characterized as a secretory phospholipase A2 (PLA2) homolog in which the characteristic cysteine residues as well as the active site residues found in bee PLA2s are highly conserved. Two novel peptides with m/z 1939.3 and m/z 1900.3 were named as Xac-1 and Xac-2, respectively. These peptides are found to be amphiphilic and displayed antimicrobial and hemolytic activities. The potency was almost the same as that of mastoparan isolated from the wasp venom. Conclusion We found three novel biologically active peptides in the venom of X. appendiculata and analyzed their molecular functions, and compared their sequential homology to discuss their molecular diversity. Highly sensitive mass analysis plays an important role in this study.

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Nowadays several invertebrate pollinators of crops and wild plants are in decline as result of multiple and, sometimes, unknown factors; among them, the modern agricultural practices, pests and diseases are postulated as the most important factors. Bees of the genus Xylocopa are considered effective pollinators of passion fruit crops in tropical regions, as well as important pollinators in wild plants, but these bees are attacked by several pathogens that affect different stages in their life cycle. The fungal species of the genus Ascosphaera are commonly associated with social and solitary bee larvae causing chalkbrood disease. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to demonstrate the presence of Ascosphaera apis affecting larvae of Xylocopa augusti in South America. METHODS: For this purpose, A. apis was isolated from affected larvae in YGPSA medium. Final identification was run out by three techniques: (1) Microscopic examination of the hyphae and sizes of the fruiting bodies; (2) Mating test, and specific sexual compatibility test, and (3) PCR detection, using specific primers. RESULTS: This study demonstrates for the first time the presence of A. apis affecting larvae of X. augusti in South America. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence of A. apis affecting the larvae of X. augusti, and the fact that the sharing of pathogens between different bee species has been underestimated, suggests the need for further epidemiological studies in order to determine not only the prevalence of this pathogen among wild pollinators, but also its relationship to the sudden collapse of honey bee colonies in this region.

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RESUMO

We describe a mixed gynandromorph of Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) nigrocincta from a single specimen from Argentina. The specimen presents bilateral asymmetry, with the right half of its head displaying male characters and the left half displaying female characters; the mesosoma presents male characters mostly in the right half of the prothorax, pronotal lobe and distal half of the fore tibia and in the pubescence of tarsus; the rest of the mesosoma and the metasoma display female features

Se describe un ginandromorfo mixto de Xylocopa (Neoxylocopa) nigrocincta de un ejemplar de Argentina. El ginandromorfo tiene asimetría bilateral en la cabeza, con su mitad derecha con caracteres del macho y su mitad izquierda con caracteres de la hembra. El mesosoma presenta algunas características de macho en la mitad anterior derecha (protorax, lóbulo pronotal, mitad posterior de la protibia y pubescencia del tarso), el resto de meso y metasoma con caracteres de la hembra.

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RESUMO

Xylocopa (Monoxylocopa) abbreviata Hurd & Moure nidifica nas hastes de inflorescências de Encholirium spectabile (Bromeliaceae), que crescem expostas ao sol nos afloramentos rochosos das caatingas do semi-árido. No maior agregado, a densidade de X. abbreviata pode alcançar 1,7 ninho/haste e 20 ninhos/ha. Cada haste pode abrigar ninhos por cerca de três meses, apenas, mas a floração contínua e assincrônica na população de E. spectabile assegura oferta ao longo do ano todo. A haste é compacta, porém macia, e a fêmea escava uma única galeria linear em poucos dias. A galeria linear abriga, em média, cinco células de cria sem revestimento interno, que são separadas entre si por divisória elaborada com o material triturado do próprio substrato. A galeria fica isolada do meio externo por uma fina parede da haste. Quando perturbada, a fêmea fundadora bloqueia totalmente a entrada circular do ninho, com o dorso do seu abdome. Embora use um substrato de nidificação efêmero, esta espécie de Xylocopa apresenta várias gerações ao longo do ano. Colocam-se em perspectiva as restrições comportamentais e ecológicas relacionadas à escolha desse tipo de substrato conspícuo e efêmero. Argumenta-se que a escolha das hastes de Encholirium restringe a distribuição a porções de hábitats restritos do semi-árido e determina a relativa raridade de X. abbreviata nessa região do Brasil.

Females of Xylocopa (Monoxylocopa) abbreviata Hurd & Moure build their nests in the flower stalks of Encholirium spectabile (Bromeliaceae). This bromeliad grows clumped on rock outcrops exposed to direct sunlight in the semi-arid tropical caatingas of northeastern Brazil. In the largest aggregation of E. spectabile, X. abbreviata reached 1,7 nests/stalk and around 20 nests/ha. The stalks are available as nest site after fruiting, and can be used for three months before final decaying. However the flowering asynchronism within local population assures good stalks almost all year round. The flower stalk is filled with a soft pulp where the female dig a single linear nest gallery in a few days. The single linear gallery keeps five brood cells, on average. The top of each cell is delimitated with the powdered material from the stalk pulp, and no lining bee material was observed on the inner cell walls. The cell gallery is isolated from the outside by a thin stalk wall that is exposed to direct sunlight. When disturbed the founder female blocks the entrance with the dorsum of its abdomen. Although using an ephemeral nesting substrata, X. abbreviata presented several generations all year round. Ecological and behavioral constraints upon this Xylocopa species are discussed concerning the tight association with the conspicuous and ephemeral stalks of E. spectabile. This association is also assumed to determine the patchy distribution and the rarity of X. abbreviata in the semi-arid region.

RESUMO

Brazil is the largest producer of passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) in the world, but holds low fruit productivity due to the lack of natural pollinators such as carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) in cultivated areas. The present work investigated the use in passionfruit plantations of a model of rational nesting box for carpenter bees suggested by FREITAS & OLIVEIRA FILHO (2001). Results showed that the introduction of inhabited nesting boxes in the studied area raised in 505% the frequency of carpenter bees to passionfruit flowers and in 92.3% initial fruit setting. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of this model of rational nesting boxes is efficient to increase carpenter bee population in an agricultural area and can contribute to increase levels of pollination and productivity in passionfruit plantations.

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis), porém apresenta baixas produtividades devido à carência de polinizadores naturais, como as abelhas mamangavas (Xylocopa spp.), nas áreas cultivadas. O presente trabalho investigou o uso, em cultivos de maracujá, de um modelo de ninho racional para mamangavas sugerido por FREITAS & OLIVEIRA FILHO (2001). Os resultados mostraram que a presença dos ninhos racionais povoados na área estudada propiciaram aumentos da ordem de 505% na frequência das mamangavas às flores de maracujá e 92,3% no vingamento inicial de frutos. Portanto, pode-se concluir que o uso das caixas racionais testadas é eficiente em aumentar a população dessas abelhas na área agrícola e que o seu uso pode contribuir para elevar os índices de polinização e produtividade do maracujá-amarelo.

RESUMO

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are important pollinators, but rearing them for introduction in agricultural areas has been difficult because of their nesting behavior. Models of rational nesting boxes, which allow observing their interior, manipulating the nests and transporting them to the orchards, have not been accepted by the bees. The present work tested colonization and reproductive biology of carpenter bees in a model of nesting box suggested by FREITAS & OLIVEIRA (2001). Results showed 18.75 to 52.22% colonization by X. frontalis, with 3.0 to 4.7 nests founded per box. Architecture of the nests built in the rational rearing boxes was similar to that observed in wild nests, and the cycle from egg to adult took an average of 45.58 days. The offspring ratio male/female was 0.60 : 1.00. It is concluded that the model of rational nesting box tested is well accepted by X. frontalis and does not affect negatively the reproductive biology of this bee species.

As mamangavas (Xylocopa spp.) são importantes polinizadores, mas o seu criatório para introdução em áreas agrícolas tem sido dificultado pelo hábito de nidificação dessas abelhas. Propostas de ninhos racionais, que possibilitem a observação do seu interior, manejo e transporte para os pomares, não têm sido bem aceitas pelas abelhas. O presente trabalho testou a colonização e biologia reprodutiva das mamangavas em um modelo sugerido por FREITAS & OLIVEIRA (2001). O resultado mostrou colonização por X. frontalis em taxas entre 18,75 e 52,22%, com 3,0 a 4,7 ninhos povoados por caixa. A arquitetura dos ninhos construídos foi semelhante ao observado em ninhos silvestres e o ciclo de ovo a adulto levou, em média, 45,58 dias. A relação macho/fêmea das crias foi de 0,60 : 1,00. Conclui-se que o modelo de caixa racional testado apresenta boa aceitação por X. frontalis e não afeta a biologia reprodutiva dessa abelha.

RESUMO

Carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) are important pollinators, but rearing them for introduction in agricultural areas has been difficult because of their nesting behavior. Models of rational nesting boxes, which allow observing their interior, manipulating the nests and transporting them to the orchards, have not been accepted by the bees. The present work tested colonization and reproductive biology of carpenter bees in a model of nesting box suggested by FREITAS & OLIVEIRA (2001). Results showed 18.75 to 52.22% colonization by X. frontalis, with 3.0 to 4.7 nests founded per box. Architecture of the nests built in the rational rearing boxes was similar to that observed in wild nests, and the cycle from egg to adult took an average of 45.58 days. The offspring ratio male/female was 0.60 : 1.00. It is concluded that the model of rational nesting box tested is well accepted by X. frontalis and does not affect negatively the reproductive biology of this bee species.

As mamangavas (Xylocopa spp.) são importantes polinizadores, mas o seu criatório para introdução em áreas agrícolas tem sido dificultado pelo hábito de nidificação dessas abelhas. Propostas de ninhos racionais, que possibilitem a observação do seu interior, manejo e transporte para os pomares, não têm sido bem aceitas pelas abelhas. O presente trabalho testou a colonização e biologia reprodutiva das mamangavas em um modelo sugerido por FREITAS & OLIVEIRA (2001). O resultado mostrou colonização por X. frontalis em taxas entre 18,75 e 52,22%, com 3,0 a 4,7 ninhos povoados por caixa. A arquitetura dos ninhos construídos foi semelhante ao observado em ninhos silvestres e o ciclo de ovo a adulto levou, em média, 45,58 dias. A relação macho/fêmea das crias foi de 0,60 : 1,00. Conclui-se que o modelo de caixa racional testado apresenta boa aceitação por X. frontalis e não afeta a biologia reprodutiva dessa abelha.

RESUMO

Brazil is the largest producer of passionfruit (Passiflora edulis) in the world, but holds low fruit productivity due to the lack of natural pollinators such as carpenter bees (Xylocopa spp.) in cultivated areas. The present work investigated the use in passionfruit plantations of a model of rational nesting box for carpenter bees suggested by FREITAS & OLIVEIRA FILHO (2001). Results showed that the introduction of inhabited nesting boxes in the studied area raised in 505% the frequency of carpenter bees to passionfruit flowers and in 92.3% initial fruit setting. Therefore, it is concluded that the use of this model of rational nesting boxes is efficient to increase carpenter bee population in an agricultural area and can contribute to increase levels of pollination and productivity in passionfruit plantations.

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de maracujá-amarelo (Passiflora edulis), porém apresenta baixas produtividades devido à carência de polinizadores naturais, como as abelhas mamangavas (Xylocopa spp.), nas áreas cultivadas. O presente trabalho investigou o uso, em cultivos de maracujá, de um modelo de ninho racional para mamangavas sugerido por FREITAS & OLIVEIRA FILHO (2001). Os resultados mostraram que a presença dos ninhos racionais povoados na área estudada propiciaram aumentos da ordem de 505% na frequência das mamangavas às flores de maracujá e 92,3% no vingamento inicial de frutos. Portanto, pode-se concluir que o uso das caixas racionais testadas é eficiente em aumentar a população dessas abelhas na área agrícola e que o seu uso pode contribuir para elevar os índices de polinização e produtividade do maracujá-amarelo.