Methods to attract honeybee <em>Apis mellifera</em> L. to avocado tree (<em>Persea americana</em> Mill)

Abstract

The present experiment was carried out to evaluate some methods to attract honeybee Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera, Apidae) to two avocado varieties (Persea americana Mill.). Extracts of Cymbopogon citratus, Ocimum basilicum, Lippia alba, Citrus sp leaf, Eucalyptus sp leaf, the eugenol and linalol (SIGMA) were employed as attractors. The treatments were: covered; powdered discovered (PD); discovered with tubes and not powdered discovered (NPD). It was observed that the attractiveness of the tested substances disappeared minutes after their application, using or not the glycerin, in both varieties. The utilization of the extracts of Lippia alba, Eucalyptus sp leaves and Citrus sp leaves presented an increase in number of Apis mellifera, in Quintal variety. Data showed that the frequency of A. mellifera was higher in the Quintal variety compared to the Fortuna variety. This might have happened due to higher sugar concentration of nectar in flowers of Quintal variety. It was observed that A. mellifera preferred to visit the flowers of avocado tree of Quintal variety, for nectar and pollen collection, compared to Fortuna variety. None of the characteristics presented significant difference among the treatments, in both varieties of fruit. However, it was observed that, in Quintal variety, the fruits which obtained PD and NPD treatments were heavier, longer and with higher pulp thickness compared to the only obtained fruit of covered treatment. The products tested in tubes were not efficient to attract Apis mellifera in both varieties.