Toxicity of the essential oils of Eugenia uniflora and Pogostemon cablin on field bees of Africanized Apis mellifera L., 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Africanized honey bee Apis mellifera is a social insect that plays a vital role in agriculture and the economy through pollination, an essential ecosystem service, and the production of several bee products. However, the sharp decline in honey bee colonies, often associated with Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), especially due to the indiscriminate use of pesticides, represents a significant threat to ecosystems and global food security. Among the alternatives under investigation to replace synthetic pesticides, essential oils or botanical insecticides stand out, although the effects on A. mellifera remain poorly understood and require further studies. This study evaluated the toxicity of essential oils from Eugenia uniflora and Pogostemon cablin on forager bees of known age (K) and unknown age (U). Three bioassays were conducted at a concentration of 0.75 % (v/v): (1) direct contact on treated surfaces; (2) spraying on bees; (3) Ingestion of food with essential oil; and analysis of flight behavior. Essential oils significantly reduced bee survival over 12 h, with more lethal effects in the group exposed to E. uniflora oil. They negatively affected flight behavior (vertical movement and recovery free fall). The toxic effects were evident regardless of honey bee age or exposure method, highlighting that although botanical insecticides are often considered safer alternatives to synthetic products, they can still pose substantial risks to pollinators. This study provides important information on pollinator conservation and may inform future regulations on botanical pesticides and guide safer integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, promoting a balance between pest control and biodiversity protection.