Toxicidade e análise molecular de pesticidas em abelhas africanizadas, Apis mellifera L

Abstract

Glyphosate and fipronil are widely used pesticides in agricultural settings, and their effects on Africanized honeybees Apis mellifera L. were the focus of this study, which evaluated survival, feeding behavior, body weight, and molecular biomarkers of bees exposed to these compounds. The research was conducted in three locations with different levels of agricultural pressure to better understand the responses of bees. The results revealed that bees from high-impact agricultural areas are more sensitive to pesticides, presenting higher mortality, lower food consumption during and after exposure, decreased body weight and increased protein intake. Exposure to glyphosate caused oxidative stress and reallocation of energy resources to

detoxification, evidenced by reduced activity of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione S- transferase. Bees exposed to fipronil showed changes in energy metabolism and feeding

behavior, with greater sensitivity in areas of high agricultural pressure, as indicated by a lower oral LD50 at 48 hours. The research highlights the importance of biomarkers to assess the effects of pesticides, offering a deeper understanding of detoxification processes and oxidative damage in bees exposed to pesticides. Biomarkers such as cholinesterase activity, total glutathione levels and proteins were crucial to detect physiological disturbances induced by pesticides. The ability of honeybees, originating from areas without agricultural pressure, to avoid fipronil during exposure suggests a behavioral adaptation absent in areas of high agricultural pressure. Future research should use molecular and biochemical tools to explore the mechanisms underlying honeybee responses to glyphosate and fipronil exposure, investigating changes in gene expression, enzyme activities and energy metabolism. This knowledge will help develop strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticides on honeybee populations, ensuring the sustainability of agricultural pollination.