A STUDY OF THE FORAGING SCHEDULE OF HONEYBEES ON SOY CROPS ASAN AGRONOMICAL TOOL TO MITIGATE THE EFFECTS OF AGROCHEMICALS

Abstract

Apis mellifera is a generalist species; however, it manifests a preference for certain flowers  at fixed daytime  hours  and during  the flowering period.  Knowing  this is important for crops that require pollination. In soy, even though  this service is non-existent, its  flowers are often  frequented  by the honeybee. This  crop is white with frequent  sanitary spraying and could give rise to the coUection of contaminants by the bees along with the nectar and poUen of the  Aowers.  Knowing  the time of day when  their foraging  is at a maximum  could be an important  too]  in mitigating  the harmful effects  of pesticides  on bees and the contents of the hive.  To evaluate  the  favourite  foraging  time of A.  me/lifara in  soy,  an apiary was set up close to the cultivation  site and captures  were carried  out during  the Aowering period,  with an entomological  net  at six fixed hours  during  day (9:00;  10:30;  12:00;  13:30;  15:00  and  at 16:30 h), totalling  150 raids in 3 repetitions. The  results show a marked gathering  preference at the time closest  to noon  (p=0,001)  and scarce activity in the early morning and evening. A  progressive  increase  in  activity  from  the  beginning  of Aowering till the  maximum  was reached  at 12 days (p=0,019)  was a1so  seen and  this implies  a subsequent  lessening  of the same activity. These  results could  contribute to  improving the application  of phytosanitary products, particularly in proximity  to  apiaries,  thus conserving hives and their contents.