The effect of essential oils of sweet fennel and pignut on mortality and learning in africanized honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) (Hymenoptera: Apidae).
It was recently discovered that exposure to small concentrations of the essential oils of sweet fennel (Foeniculum vulgare Mill) or pignut [Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit] can be used to control aphids. What is not known is whether these oils also influence honeybee behavior. Experiments using both harnessed and free-flying foragers at concentrations used to control aphids showed that bees readily associated the odors with a reward, discriminated between them, and were not repelled. Honeybees, however, would not consume the oils when mixed with sucrose to create an unconditioned stimulus. An experiment in which harnessed bees consumed various concentrations showed that concentrations greater than 50% were detrimental. The experiments reported here provide further evidence supporting the use of conditioning techniques to evaluate the use of essential oils on honey bee behavior.
Abramson
Charles I
CI
Lab Comparative Psychology and Behavioral Biology, Dept of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA. charles.abramson@okstate.edu
Wanderley
Paulo A
PA
Wanderley
Maria J A
MJ
Silva
José C R
JC
Michaluk
Lynnette M
LM
D000818:Animals; D001516:Bees / Q000187:drug effects*; D030001:Foeniculum; D031331:Hyptis; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000633:toxicity; D007858:Learning / Q000187:drug effects*; D009822:Oils, Volatile / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity
D007302:Insect Repellents; D009822:Oils, Volatile