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Pollen profile of geopropolis samples collected by native bees (Meliponini) in some South American countries

Abstract:

A total of 16 geopropolis samples from Brazil, Bolivia and Venezuela were analysed in the present study. Samples were submitted to the standard procedure used to obtain pollen grains and additional structured elements. At least 300 pollen grains per sample were counted; five samples did not reach 300 grains. The pollen types of Brazilian samples displayed Melastomataceae as the predominant pollen; Arecaceae, Cecropia and one as yet unidentified pollen type were established as accessory pollen. The Bolivian samples presented Cecropia and Solanum as the dominant pollen and Eucalyptus, Inga and Rubiaceae as accessory pollen. Venezuelan samples presented Melocbia as the dominant pollen type and Cassia, Crotalaria,Didymopanax, Fabaceae, Melastomataceae, Myrcia, Rubiaceae, Tabebuia and one as yet unidentified pollen type as accessory pollen. The study showed a high diversity of vegetation surrounding the collection sites, indicative of the resources available for geopropolis production, and a rare superposition of plant taxa even by the same bee species.