O herbicida glifosato pode causar alterações em invertebrados polinizadores? Um estudo comportamental com abelhas operárias

Abstract

The exposure of bees to agricultural fields with use of pesticides has alarmed society because of the possible consequences of this contact. The aim of this study was to observe possible behavioral changes in Africanized bees (Apis mellifera scutellata Lepeletier 1836), after exposure to the herbicide glyphosate. Two methods of exposure (ingestion and spraying) and two concentrations (1 mL.-1 and 0.01 mL.L-1) were used, in a period of 24 hours. It was expected that the higher concentration of the herbicide would result in behavioral changes in individuals. Contact behavior (communication between two individuals), mobility (ability to take flight), tremors and grouping (communication between three or more individuals) were analyzed. Individuals’ mortality was counted. Statistical analyzes were performed using the Sisvar® software, with inicial test of normality data (Shapiro-Wilk) followed by variance (Tukey). In the ingestion method, it was observed that, in the higher concentration (1 mL.-1), there was a decrease in contact between bees (Pr> Fc 0.0129), decreased mobility (Pr> Fc 0.0007), tremors (Pr> Fc 0.0000) and significant mortality (Pr> Fc 0.0027). With spraying method, at the highest concentration the grouping of bees decreased (Pr> Fc 0.0179), mobility increased (Pr> Fc 0.0412) and significant mortality (Pr> Fc 0.0022). It was noticed that higher concentrations of the herbicide can affect the behavior of bees; also, the spray method resulted in a higher mortality. We conclude that glyphosate can be harmful and influence the behavioral patterns of A. mellifera scutellata, and may be related to their mortality.