Toxicity of Dimorphandra mollis to Workers of Apis mellifera

Abstract

In this communication we have evaluated the toxic properties of methanol extracts from flowers, peduncles, leaves, petioles and stem bark of Dimorphandra mollis to Apis mellifera workers. Astilbin (5,7,3',4'-tetrahydroxy--2,3-dihydroflavonol-3-beta-O-rhamnoside) has been isolated from peduncles and flowers of this plant in large amounts. Astilbin presented insecticidal activity against confined bees. The results suggest that astilbin reduces the average survival of treated bees.

Keywords

• flavonoids
• natural insecticides
• Dimorphandra mollis
• Apis mellifera