Effect of cadmium and Roundup® on internal organs of Bombus morio and Bombus atratus (Hymenoptera: Bombini)

Abstract

Most studies related to the disappearance and decline of populations of the genus Bombus regarding survey studies of abundance and richness of the genus in a particular area and location. Experimental bioassays with xenobiotics followed by morphological analysis of specific target internal organs in Brazilian native bees, such Bombus, will be done. The xenobiotics are present in most industrial wastes released in the air, soil and water. Therefore, the main goal of the project is to support the study of native bees as bio-indicators of the environment conditions and also specifically act in the conservation of the genus Bombus. For such proposal, it will be analyzed the impact of the metal-trace cadmium and glyphosate (Roundup®) on specific internal organs (flight muscles, dorsal vessel, ovaries and testes as well as its associated glands - espermatecal and mucus glands, respectively) of two bee species, Bombus morio and B. atratus. The internal organs of bees submitted to the toxicological bioassays will be analyzed under routine morphological and histochemical techniques, electrophoretic banding pattern and behavioral analysis regarding the sensory sensitivity of these bees in relationship to the xenobiotics. (AU)