Residue analysis of agricultural pesticides in honey, bee tissue and in the flowers and fruits of the strawberry plant (Fragaria x ananassa DUCH.). Use of biochemical biomarkers to study the effects of agricultural pesticides on bees

Abstract

Studies on the adverse effects of agricultural pesticides on native stingless bees are scarce in Brazil. As they are pollinating insects, it is essential to develop studies to evaluate the sensitivity of the bees to pesticides that are used in agriculture as well as identifying and monitoring the presence of these contaminants in the honey of flowers and fruits visited by the bees. Therefore, in this study a method will be developed, validated and applied to the determination of pesticide (abamectin) and fungicide (difenoconazole) residues in bees tissues (Scaptotrigona depilis), honey and in the flowers and fruits of the strawberry plant (Fragaria x ananassa DUCH.) in the region of Bom Repouso, MG. In parallel, biochemical biomarkers will be studied to verify the effects of these substances on the bees (Scaptotrigona depilis). In preparation of the samples QuEChERS will be used to isolate analytes from the matrices being studied. For the identification and quantification of the analytes a liquid chromatograph coupled with a mass detector (LC - MS / MS) will be utilised. The reliability of the results will be ensured by validation of the analytical method. Used of biochemical biomarker to study the effects of abamectin and difenoconasole on bees. (AU)