TOXICIDADE AGUDA DE HERBICIDA À BASE DE GLIFOSATO SOBRE ABELHA NATIVA Tetragona clavipes

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of Roundup® Original glyphosate on the stingless bee Tetragona clavipes, considering different forms of exposure to the herbicide to simulate effects in the natural environment: Topical Acute Effect (EAT – contaminated mist) and Residual Acute Effect (EAR – contaminated food). The concentrations tested were: 781.3 μg a.e./L, 1562.0 μg a.e./L, 3125.0 μg a.e./L, 6250.0 μg a.e./L, 12500.0 μg a.e./L, 25000.0 μg a.e./L and 50000.0 μg a.e./L. The control treatment, without glyphosate application, was used to compare the observed effects, serving as a reference for conditions without contamination. Estimates of lethal concentrations (LC10 and LC50) indicated greater sensitivity of bees in the EAT, with lower LC10-96h and LC50-96h values ​​compared to the EAR. The results reinforce the importance of considering both the immediate and long-term effects of glyphosate on bees. In addition, they highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices that minimize the impacts of herbicides on non-target organisms and ecosystems. The study also highlights the importance of understanding the toxic effects of glyphosate on native bees, especially in natural and semi-natural environments, where exposure can be more harmful. These results favor the conservation of natural ecosystems, essential for maintaining biodiversity and the health of ecosystem services, such as pollination. Finally, the study reinforces the need for more sustainable agricultural practices that preserve both agricultural and zootechnical crops, as well as meliponiculture. These practices can also contribute to animal productivity in agricultural systems, since the preservation of bees and other pollinators favors ecological balance and agricultural and livestock productivity.