The mite ectoparasite Varroa destructor, poses a serious threat for the survival of the Apis mellifera colonies. The intensive use of acaricidal products is one of the most common methods for defending bees from Varroa that can cause the contamination of the wax foundation used in beekeeping. The natural honeycomb management could provide a solution for this problem, because it involves the use of frames without wax foundation which allows the bees to build a complete comb ex novo. On the other hand, colonies which are free to build cells of their choice, usually build a number of drone cells higher than colonies managed with the wax foundation. This could potentially lead to several negative consequences because the V. destructor reproductive success is greater on drone broods than on worker broods. The aim of the present study was to examine the colony development, to evaluate the honey production and to monitor the growth of V. destructor infestations and associated virus infections in Apis mellifera colonies managed by using natural honeycombs compared with the conventional management. Several colony parameters were measured in spring and summer. The strength of the colony was used to estimate the worker and drone populations. In order to measure the V. destructor infestations were used several methods, such as the natural mite fall, the powdered sugar roll, the soapy water and the brood cell uncapping. Molecular analysis was performed in order to measure the viral load of five Apis mellifera viruses. The honey produced was measured by collecting the honey stored in the supers, which are boxes placed on a beehive for bees to store. The results showed that the higher presence of drone brood in the colonies managed using the natural honeycomb did not negatively affect the colony development nor the mite V. destructor population compared to control colonies. The molecular analysis showed that the DWV was the most common virus found in bee samples, and its viral load was more influenced from the mite infestation rate than from the treatment. The analysis carried out in this study showed that the natural honeycomb management can represent a valid alternative to the wax foundation. This kind of colony management thus appears to contradict our primary hypothesis which was that letting the bees build their own honeycomb would have led to a significant increase in the V. destructor infestation. Productivity data did not provide reliable results about the difference between the natural honeycomb and the conventional colony management due to climatic adversities. Further studies will be performed to better investigate this aspect. Data about the natural mite fall and the estimation of the mite population in the phoretic/reproductive phases provided a useful starting point for further studies on the correct timing to carry out acaricide treatments both in conventional and natural honeycomb managed colonies.

Background: With the global decline of honey bee populations, safeguarding these vital pollinators has become crucial. Varroa destructor mites are a primary threat, weakening bees and facilitating the spread of diseases, which can decimate colonies and disrupt ecosystems. This thesis investigates the application of a Wireless sensor network (WSN) for the monitoring and control of varroasis spread within bee colonies across large geographical areas. Objectives: The main objective of this research is to develop an integrated method that combines biological insights into varroasis with WSN functionalities for real-time disease monitoring and control. By doing so, the study aims to contribute to the development of a scalable and sustainable approach to apiculture and disease management. Methods: A multi-phase methodological approach was employed, encompassing the modelling of biological phenomena, formulation of WSN functionalities, and the design of a scalable WSN architecture. Simulation studies were conducted, followed by the development of a theoretical framework to support the practical application of the proposed WSN system. A key aspect of the methodology is the introduction of energy estimation models to evaluate the operational feasibility of the WSN. Results: The results indicate that the WSN is capable of dynamically adjusting its monitoring rate in response to changes in infection dynamics, effectively identifying and managing varroa mite populations. The system demonstrated adaptability to various infection rates, with the potential to improve the timely and targeted treatment of infested colonies. Energy consumption data further affirms the operational viability of the WSN. Conclusions: The study concludes that integrating WSNs with biological models is a viable solution for the real-time monitoring and management of varroasis. The proposed WSN system holds promise for enhancing the health and productivity of bee colonies on a broad scale, offering a novel contribution to the fields of apiculture and environmental monitoring.

This thesis deals wiht the subsidies as a tool for solving positive externalities in the environmental field. The theoretical part explains the principle of externalities, and offers three variants of their solution - a system of taxes and subsidies, according to A.C. Pigou, the negotiation of compensation, according to R. Coase, and connected property. From these theoretical concepts are in reality to solve positive externalities mainly used subsidies. Selected subsidies programs for environmental protection are subject to the following analysis. Classic example of positive externality is considered pollination activity of bees. Therefore, the second half of thesis describes how this agricultural sector, beekeeping, depends on subsidies. This thesis proposes another solutions to develop and streamline the sector without the use of subsidies.

In this thesis I study how the relationships between beekeepers and bees have evolved over time in the region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil and how the beekeepers have experienced the environmental changes in this region over time. Bees and beekeeping practices generate important incomes for rural communities in Rio Grande do Sul, but also, they support agricultural systems through pollinating crops and increasing plants nutritional value. Inspired by historical ecology and multispecies narratives I explore how the human-bee relationships have been developed throughout history. Based on interviews and using the narrative tool of storytelling we meet the different beekeeper’s thoughts and perceptions when it comes to their relations and motivations in keeping bees. Furthermore, this thesis also explores the challenges and opportunities described by the interviewed beekeepers, by comparing past historical changes and present-day debates around the bees. Landscape changes, loss of biodiversity and overuse of pesticides in agricultural crops have affected the wellbeing of the bees. The obstacles and organisations of beekeeper’s are also considered. Beekeeping is discussed as a way to create ecological awareness and is promoted as a way to increase not just bee’s wellbeing living in Rio Grande do Sul, but also create better dialogues among different actors.

A apicultura desde os primórdios dos tempos é considerada uma atividade extrativista, mas que desde os anos 60 passou por um processo evolutivo, mas ainda tem muitos obstáculos a serem vencidos, como aplicação de gestão no apiário, enxergando-o como um empreendimento, a busca por baixos custos de produção e aumento da produtividade de forma sustentável. O objetivo do presente estudo foi em primeiro momento a aplicação do questionário para identificação da situação atual dos apicultores em termos de gestão no apiário e em segundo, a construção de um aplicativo no formato mobile para coleta de informações no campo, bem como a construção de um site para auxílio informativo e apoio à gestão do empreendimento. Foram aplicados 07 questionários, com perguntas abertas e fechadas remetendo às práxis de condução do apiário com intuito de coletar os registros destas informações e o efetivo uso a favor da gestão do apiário voltado para resultado. Os convidados para as entrevistas, logo após a aprovação do Comitê de Ética, foram contatados e foram convidados em número de dez apicultores para entrevista, com a presença efetiva de sete sujeitos. Os resultados apresentados na pesquisa foram: 57% dos apicultores não possuem documento de parceria para uso da terra. Possuem em média 191 caixas com enxame e em média cinco apiários, com média de 38 caixas por apiário. Foram ainda anotados os seguintes resultados: 100% dos apicultores não possuem anotações de produção por caixa e 71% não possuem por apiário. Quanto a limpeza do apiário é realizada por 100% dos entrevistados. Os que efetuam troca de rainha são 71% e os que fornecem alimentação são 100% embora fora identificado que não utilizam no momento adequado. Quando perguntado sobre a parte financeira, 57% não possuem controles financeiros e 71% não executa fluxo de caixa. Sobre o custo de produção, para 86% dos entrevistados desconhecem este valor e 57% não sabem se obteve lucro. Quanto ao uso de tecnologia 100% utiliza celular e 71% possuem computador, destes, todos com acesso à internet. Com base nestes resultados foi a construção destas duas ferramentas de gestão voltadas para a apicultura, sendo o website com o domínio www.apisapp.agr.br com acesso utilizando-se login e senha, com abas de controle sanitário, informações, biblioteca e serviços, como, planejamento e finanças. A outra, um aplicativo de gestão da informação denominado APISAPP, utilizado em aparelhos móveis para coleta em campo das atividades do cotidiano do apiário como: instalação, manutenção, produção e registro de anomalias. Foram utilizadas nos seus desenvolvimentos, técnicas de pesquisa virtual nos sites das empresas que possibilitam o uso de ferramentas de desenvolvimento de uso gratuito ou com menor investimento financeiro, bem como uma revisão bibliográfica. / Beekeeping since the beginning of time is considered a mining activity, but since the 60s has undergone an evolutionary process, but still has many obstacles to overcome, such as application management in the apiary, seeing it as an enterprise, the search by low production costs and increased productivity in a sustainable way. The aim of this study was first time the questionnaire to identify the current situation of beekeepers in terms of management in the apiary and second, building an application in mobile format for collecting information in the field as well as the construction of a website for informational assistance and support to project management. Applied 07 questionnaires, with open and closed questions referring to the apiary of driving practice with the aim of collecting the records of this information and the effective use in favor apiary management focused on results. The guests for interviews shortly after the approval of the Ethics Committee, were contacted and were asked to number ten beekeepers to interview, with the effective presence of seven subjects. The results presented in the search were: 57% of beekeepers have not partner document for land use. They have an average of 191 boxes of swarm and an average of five apiaries, averaging 38 cases per apiary. The following results were also recorded: 100% of beekeepers have no production notes for cash and 71% do not have per apiary. The cleaning of the apiary is performed by 100% of respondents. Those who carry out queen exchange is 71% and that provide food are 100% although been identified that do not use the right time. When asked about the financial part, 57% do not have financial controls and 71% performs no cash flow. On the cost of production, 86% of respondents are unaware of the value and 57% do not know if you made a profit. As for the 100% use of technology uses cell phone and 71% have a computer, these, all with internet access. Based on these results was the construction of these two management tools geared for beekeeping, and the website with the www.apisapp.agr.br domain access using login and password, with sanitary control tabs, information, library and services such as, planning and finance. The other, an information management application called APISAPP used in mobile devices for data collection in the field of apiary everyday activities such as installation, maintenance, production and anomalies record. Were used in their development, virtual research techniques on the websites of companies that enable the use of free-use development or less financial investment tools as well as a literature review.

This thesis presents a business plan of the company Anemarie s.r.o. The main goal is to find out whether a business expansion plan is real and has a chance of success.

Orientador: Ricardo de Oliveira Orsi / Banca: Silvia Maria Alves Gomes / Banca: José Paes de Almeida Nogueira Pinto / Banca: Claudemir Carvalho / Banca: Luiz Eugenio Veneziani Pasin / Resumo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo realizar o mapeamento dos apiários da microrregião de Campos do Jordão, por meio do Sistema de Informações Geográficas (SIG), gerando uma base de dados relacionada a características referentes à procedência do apicultor regional em relação à distribuição espacial, número de colméias e produtividade. A referida microrregião apresenta, de acordo com o presente estudo, 54 apicultores distribuídos pelos seus 04 municípios, onde a atividade apícola é desenvolvida por pequenos produtores que possuem no máximo 70 colméias. O SIG mostrou-se uma ferramenta eficiente para a avaliação do desenvolvimento da atividade apícola da Microrregião de Campos do Jordão e servirá como instrumento de monitoramento da procedência do produto regional, principalmente para se orientar quanto à melhor distribuição futura de suas respectivas unidades apícolas, podendo gerar resultados positivos na produtividade melífera. / Abstract: The objective of this paper was mapping the apiaries of the micro region of Campos do Jordão, through the Geographical Information System (GIS), generating a database related to beekeeper's characteristics as their space distribution, number of beehives and productivity. According to the present study, the micro region has 54 beekeepers distributed in 04 municipalities, where beekeeping activity is developed by a small group of producers who can own at the most 70 hives. As a result, the GIS has proved to be an efficient tool to evaluate the development of the beekeeping activity at the micro region of Campos de Jordão. Furthermore, it will be useful as a reference to monitor the origin of the regional final product, especially to lead the producers for a best distribution of their respective apiaries. Moreover, the finding could produce positive results in the melliferous productivity. / Doutor

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento CientÃfico e TecnolÃgico / Nos perÃodos de escassez de alimento no campo, a produÃÃo de mel e de novas colÃnias nos meliponÃrios diminui levando ao enfraquecimento e atà mesmo perda de colÃnias. Logo, a manutenÃÃo de colÃnias de abelhas sem ferrÃo nessa Ãpoca do ano ainda à um entrave na cadeia produtiva da meliponicultura. Desta forma, estratÃgias de manejo que possibilitem a manutenÃÃo e fortalecimento de colÃnias em perÃodos de escassez precisam ser estabelecidas, bem como tÃcnicas eficientes de multiplicaÃÃo de colÃnias. O presente estudo teve por objetivo testar o desenvolvimento de colÃnias de jandaÃra (Melipona subnitida) sob confinamento, a fim de desenvolvÃ-las rapidamente, protegidas de ambiente externo, sem esforÃo de forrageio e sem a exposiÃÃo a predadores. Para isto, treze colÃnias foram utilizadas, sendo oito delas submetidas ao sistema de confinamento (CC), sem acesso ao campo e com fornecimento de alimentaÃÃo energÃtica e proteica (xarope de Ãgua com aÃÃcar e pÃlen apÃcola desidratado e moÃdo), enquanto que cinco permaneceram com livre acesso ao campo (CLA) e sem suplementaÃÃo alimentar, a fim de serem usadas como controle. AlÃm disto, trÃs diferentes mÃtodos de multiplicaÃÃo de colÃnias foram testados: com fornecimento de alimento proteico, porÃm sem introduÃÃo de princesas (MÃtodo I); com introduÃÃo de princesas, porÃm sem fornecimento de alimentaÃÃo proteica (MÃtodo II); e com fornecimento de alimentaÃÃo proteica e introduÃÃo de princesas (MÃtodo III). No primeiro experimento, a produÃÃo de cÃlulas variou de 1,7 a 6,2 cÃlulas/dia, sendo em mÃdia, 4,24  1,59 cÃlulas/dia nas CC. Jà nas CLA, a produÃÃo variou de 0,2 a 3 cÃlulas/dia, com mÃdia de 1,76  1,18 cÃlulas/dia, diferindo significativamente entre os grupos. Ao final do experimento, somente o grupo das CC foi capaz de chegar atà 4 discos, ou seja, ao patamar de colÃnia forte. Nesse grupo, 75% das colÃnias atingiram a meta de 4 discos, levando em mÃdia 52,13  2,44 dias. Em relaÃÃo ao patamar de colÃnia mediana (3 discos de cria), o grupo de CC obteve sucesso de 75%, enquanto o grupo das CLA obteve sucesso de 60%. A mÃdia de dias necessÃrios para atingir a meta de 3 discos foi de 37,88  3,56 e 31,25  0,51 dias para CC e CLA, respectivamente. PorÃm, o nÃmero de cÃlulas foi uma covariÃvel que influenciou no nÃmero de dias atà a conclusÃo do terceiro disco, sendo em mÃdia 174,5  28,01 cÃlulas nas CC e 133  54,99 cÃlulas nas CLA. Em relaÃÃo aos mÃtodos de multiplicaÃÃo de colÃnias testados, o mÃtodo I apresentou 83,3% de sucesso, enquanto que o mÃtodo II e III apresentaram 9,8 e 14,3 % de sucesso, respectivamente. Portanto, conclui-se que a tÃcnica de confinamento mostrou-se muito eficiente no fortalecimento de colÃnias fracas, podendo tambÃm ser utilizada para a manutenÃÃo das colÃnias no perÃodo de escassez. Desta forma, desde que a quantidade e qualidade do alimento sejam adequadas, as colÃnias estarÃo aptas para a fase de multiplicaÃÃo. Essa multiplicaÃÃo sem inserÃÃo de princesas e com fornecimento de alimento proteico à muito eficaz, porÃm, a tÃcnica de inserÃÃo de princesas à promissora, necessitando mais estudos sobre a fisiologia e comportamento desses insetos para aprimorÃ-la. / In periods of food shortage in the field, the production of honey and colonies decreases leading to weakening and even loss of colonies. Therefore, the maintenance of stingless bee colonies this time of year is still an obstacle in the production chain of beekeeping and management strategies that enable the maintenance and strengthening of colonies in times of food shortage must be established as well as efficient techniques of colonies multiplication. This study aimed to test the development of colonies of Melipona subnitida under confinement in order to develop them quickly, protected from external environment and without exposure to predators. For this, thirteen colonies were used, eight of them submitted to confinement system (CC) without access to the field, with energy and protein supply (syrup of water with sugar and Apis mellifera pollen), while five remained with free access to field (CLA) and without dietary supplementation in order to be used as control. In addition, three different methods of multiplication of colonies were tested: with supply of protein food, but without inserting princesses (Method I); with insertion of princesses, but without supply of protein food (Method II); with supply of protein food and insertion of princesses (Method III). In the first experiment, cell production ranged from 1.7 to 6.2 cells / day, with an average of 4.24  1.59 cells / day in CC. In CLA, production ranged from 0.2 to 3 cells / day, averaging 1.76  1.18 cells / day, significantly differ between groups. At the end of the experiment, only the group of CC was able to get up to 4 brood combs, that is the strong colony level. In this group, 75% of the colonies reached the target of 4 brood combs, taking an average of 52.13  2.44 days. In relation to the median level colony (3 brood combs), the group of CC obtained 75% successful, while the group of CLA succeeded 60%. The average number of days needed to reach the goal of 3 brood combs was 37.88  3.56 and 31.25  0.51 for CC and CLA, respectively. However, the number of cells was one covariate that influenced the number of days until the conclusion of the third brood comb, averaging 174.5  28.01 cells in CC and 133  54.99 cells in CLA. Regarding multiplication methods colonies tested, the I method presented 83.3% successful, while the method II and III showed 9.8 and 14.3% successful, respectively. Therefore, it is concluded that the confinement technique proved to be very efficient in strengthening weak colonies, it may also be used for maintenance of colonies in the lean period. Thus, since the quantity and quality of food are adequate, the colonies are suitable for the multiplication phase. This multiplication without inserting princesses and with protein food supply is very effective, however, the princesses insertion technique is promising, need further study of the physiology and behavior of these insects to improve it.

nÃo hà / Esta dissertaÃÃo tem como objetivo analisar os resultados alcanÃados pelo Projeto APIS Araripe, que foi direcionado para atender à cadeia produtiva da apicultura na microrregiÃo de Picos no Estado do PiauÃ, no perÃodo de 2005 a 2007, tendo como resultados o aumento da produÃÃo e da produtividade de mel. Inicialmente foram feitas regressÃes utilizando-se somente as dummys dos anos (2004 e 2007) nos dados da regiÃo de influÃncia do projeto para, atravÃs da anÃlise de diferenÃa em diferenÃas (D in D), procurar avaliar o impacto do Projeto. Os resultados mostram que, a produtividade foi alterada intensamente, de forma positiva, pela aÃÃo do projeto, demonstrando que, de uma forma geral, beneficiou a produtividade de mel na regiÃo. Em relaÃÃo à produÃÃo, a exemplo da produtividade, tambÃm foi alterada intensamente de forma positiva pela aÃÃo do projeto. Entretanto, ao controlar-se regressÃo pelo nÃmero de colmÃias habitadas (colhab) e enxames perdidos (enxperd) o resultado à outro. Os estudos revelam que a produÃÃo, diretamente, nÃo à afetada significativamente pela aÃÃo do projeto. Pode-se dizer, que o incremento da produÃÃo se deve ao aumento do nÃmero de colmÃias habitadas e a reduÃÃo das perdas de enxames. NÃo se pode afirmar, entretanto, que tais fatores foram melhorados pela aÃÃo do projeto. Isso demandaria uma anÃlise mais profunda. Observando-se a influÃncia do projeto na produtividade/produÃÃo de mel, identificouse os fatores que foram decisivos nessa influÃncia atravÃs de modelos de regressÃo simples. / This work analyzes the performance of the APIS Araripe Project, which was developed to meet the supply chain of beekeeping in the Picos Microregion in the federative state of PiauÃ, in the period 2005 to 2007, having, as a result, the increase the honey production and its productivity. At first, regressions were made, using only data of the dummies of the year (2004 and 2007), in the region influenced by the project, to assess its impact, through the analysis of difference in differences (D in D). The results show that the action of the project has been altered the productivity, extensively and in a positive way, which mean that the productivity of honey, in general, has been benefited, in that region. Likewise the productivity, the production has also been affected in a positive way, by the action of the project. Another result comes out after controlling the regression by the number of beehives populated (colhab) and lost clusters (enxperd): according to the studies, the production is not directly affected by the actions of the project. One could say that the increase in production is due to the increased number of beehives populated and yet the losses reduction of swarms. However, no one can assure these factors were improved by the action of the project, because it would require a deeper analysis. Observing the influence of the project on productivity / honey production, it was identified the factors that were decisive influence in simple regression models.

nÃo hà / Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.: Meliaceae) is a plant species originating in India introduced to Brazil mainly due to its insecticidal properties. However, the effect of such insecticidal properties on floral visitors, wild or reared, is not known. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of this plant species to Apis mellifera and its importance as a source of pollen and nectar for beekeeping. Experiments on the neem floral biology, floral visitors, A. mellifera colony development in areas with and without neem in the caatnga a coastal vegetations and larval and adult survivalship when fed with pollen or nectar of neem in controlled environment were carried out in the bee labs of the Universidade Federal do Cearà - UFC, Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraà - UVA and private properties in the state of CearÃ, Brazil. Results showed that all neem individuals studied bore bissexual flowers, with anthesis occurring around 16:00h and most flower buds presenting receptive stigmas and releasing pollen, though still unviable, 24h before anthesis. The highest pollen viability was observed at anthesis. Flowers of A. indica produced nectar in diminute amounts that did not allow sampling with capilars. Apis mellifera workers were the only floral visitors registered showing higher frequency early in the morning, when searching for pollen and nectar, and pollinating neem flowers. The wind played no role in neem pollination. Results also showed that honeybee colonies placed in the area with neem produced significantly (p<0.05) larger brood area than those palcedwhere neem was absent, both in caatinga and coastal vegetations. This difference was significanlty (p<0.05) greater in caatinga, where there were less natural resources during the dry season than in the coastal vegetation. Regarding brood mortality, that in caatinga with neem was higher (p<0.05) than thaof coastal vegetation with neem, and when compared within the same biome, brood mortality in colonies placed in areas with neem was significantly (p<0.05) higher than that in colonies of areas without neem. Despite brood mortality be higher in areas with neem, such mortality percentual was less than 10%, and within normal mortality parameters for honeybee brood. Under controlled environment, adult A. mellifera fed exclusively on neem were the ones with the shortest lifespan, but as neem was progressively replaced in the diet for other food sources, the worker lifespan increased. Flower odor per si did not produce repelence nor affect bee lifespan. Honeybee brood reared in artificial cups in the lab receiving larval food + neem pollen presented 100% mortality, significantly (p<0.05) higher than the other treatments (larval food, larval food + 100% pollen from other sources, larval food + 50% pollen from other sources + 50% neem pollen). It was concluded that the use of neem in association with other sources of pollen and nectar seems to estimulate colony growth due to the augment in food availability compensating, in populational terms, the increase in brood mortality. This effect seems to be inversally proportional to the scarcity of other floral resources, being as higher as shorter becomes the availability of other sources of pollen and nectar. However, both neem pollen and neem nectar are toxic for adults and larvas of A. mellifera, and it is not advisable its use as exclusive food source to these bees. Regarding other floral vistors of caatinga and coastal vegetation fauna, apparently neem does not constitute any threat or food resource, because no native species was observed exploiting this plant species. There is a need for further studies to determine safety levels for use of neem in beekeeping, to learn about other possible effects on A. mellifera individuals and colony and to investigate better the relationship of this plant species with native floral visitors. / O nim (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.: Meliaceae) à uma planta de origem indiana introduzida no territÃrio brasileiro principalmente devido Ãs suas propriedades inseticidas. No entanto, nÃo se sabe ainda como essas propriedades afetam os visitantes florais e seus possÃveis efeitos sobre polinizadores silvestres e para a apicultura. O presente estudo objetivou, portanto, avaliar a toxicidade dessa espÃcie vegetal para Apis mellifera e sua importÃncia como planta apÃcola. Para tanto, experimentos sobre a biologia floral da espÃcie, visitantes florais, desenvolvimento de colÃnias de A. mellifera em Ãreas com e sem nim nos bioma caatinga e mata litorÃnea e sobrevivÃncia de larvas e adultos alimentados com pÃlen e/ou nÃctar de nim em ambiente controlado foram conduzidos no LaboratÃrio de Abelhas da Universidade Federal do Cearà - UFC, no LaboratÃrio de Apicultura da Universidade Estadual Vale do Acaraà - UVA e em propriedades particulares no Estado do CearÃ. Os resultados mostraram que todos os indivÃduos estudados de nim apresentaram flores bissexuadas, com antese por volta das 16 horas e que a maioria dos botÃes florais encontra-se com seus estigmas receptivos e suas anteras liberando pÃlen, ainda inviÃvel, 24 horas antes da antese. A maior viabilidade do pÃlen ocorre no momento da antese. Foi encontrado nÃctar nas flores de A. indica, porÃm em quantidades diminutas que nÃo permitiu a captura pelos tubos capilares. As abelhas Apis mellifera foram os Ãnicos visitantes florais, apresentando maior freqÃÃncia logo nas primeiras horas do amanhecer, onde procuraram coletar nÃctar e pÃlen, sendo as responsÃvÃis pela polinizaÃÃo do nim. O vento nÃo apresentou influÃncia na polinizaÃÃo. Os resultados mostraram que as colÃnias distribuÃdas na Ãrea com nim apresentaram uma populaÃÃo de crias significativamente maior (p<0,05) do que as dispostas na Ãrea sem nim, tanto na caatinga como na mata litorÃnea. Essa diferenÃa foi siginificativamente maior (p<0,05) na caatinga, onde havia menos recursos naturais no perÃodo seco do ano, do que na mata litorÃnea. Quanto à mortalidade de larvas das colÃnias, a da caatinga com nim foi mais elevada (p<0,05) do que a da mata litorÃnea com nim, e quando comparadas dentro do mesmo bioma, a mortalidade das larvas das colÃnias nas Ãreas com nim foi significativamente superior (p<0,05) Ãs das colÃnias colocadas nas Ãreas sem nim. Apesar da mortalidade das crias ter sido mais elevada em Ãreas com nim, este percentual de mortalidade geralmente foi inferior a 10%, valor limite considerado aceitÃvel. Em ambinete controlado, adultos de A. mellifera que se alimentaram exclusivamente dos recursos florais de A. indica foram os que apresentaram menor tempo mÃdio de vida. Verificou-se que na medida em que os recursos florais de A. indica eram substituÃdos por outras fontes alimentares na dieta, o tempo mÃdio de vida aumentava. O simples odor das flores nÃo apresentou efeito de repelÃncia e nÃo afetou a longevidade das operÃrias. As larvas de operÃrias de A. mellifera criadas em cÃpulas artificiais, sob condiÃÃes de laboratÃrio, que receberam alimento larval juntamente com pÃlen exclusivo de A. indica tiveram mortalidade de 100%, sendo significativamente superior (p<0,05) à mortalidade das demais dietas (alimento larval, alimento larval + 100 % pÃlen diverso, alimento larval + 50% pÃlen diverso + 50% pÃlen de nim). Conclui-se entÃo que o uso do nim associado à outras fontes de pÃlen e nÃctar parece estimular o desenvolvimento das colÃnias pelo acrÃscimo da oferta de alimento, compensando, em termos populacionais, o aumento da mortalidade larval. Esse efeito parece ser inversamente proporcional à escassez de outros recursos florais, sendo tÃo maior quanto menor for a disponibilidade de outras fontes de pÃlen e nÃctar. No entanto, tanto o nÃctar quanto o pÃlen do nim sÃo tÃxicos para adultos e larvas de A. mellifera, nÃo sendo aconselhÃvel o seu uso como fonte exclusiva de alimento para essas abelhas. No que se refere a outros visitantes florais da fauna da caatinga e mata litorÃnea cearense, aparententemente o nim nÃo constitui ameaÃa ou recurso alimentar, haja vista que nÃo foi verificada visitaÃÃo por parte de qualquer espÃcie nativa. Hà a necessidade de maiores estudos para determinar nÃveis seguros de utilizaÃÃo do nim na apicultura, conhecer outros possÃveis efeitos sobre os indivÃduos e colÃnia de A. mellifera e aprofundar o conhecimento da relaÃÃo dessa planta com os visitantes florais nativos.