IMPACTO DO TEMPO DE BENEFICIAMENTO PÓS-COLHEITA NO MEL DE ABELHAS AFRICANIZADAS INFESTADAS PELO PEQUENO BESOURO DAS COLMEIAS

Abstract

Brazil is one of the largest honey producers in the world. According to IBGE data, the country has around 350,000 producers and, in 2021, recorded a record production of 55,800 tons, consolidating its position as the world's tenth largest producer. Beekeeping plays a vital role in the pollination of agricultural crops, the maintenance of biodiversity and the production of honey, pollen and propolis from the rational breeding of certain bee species. The productivity and quality of honey are crucial factors for the food market. However, the presence of natural enemies can significantly compromise the quality of the product. The small hive beetle, Aethina tumida, is one such agent, capable of causing serious damage, since its larvae feed on pollen, honey and bee brood, making the honey stored in the combs unviable. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of honeys from colonies infested by A. tumida, considering different processing periods. Physicochemical, Baume degree (°Bé), humidity, pH, °Brix, color and microbiological analyses were carried out, including mold and yeast counts, in order to understand the impact of infestation and processing time on the final quality of the product. No significant differences were observed between the different post-harvest processing periods in the analyses carried out. In addition, all the samples met the limits established by current legislation, regardless of the processing time.