Several ecosystems appear along the coastline in Rio de Janeiro State where apicultural activities are developed for propolis production, although only a few papers have been published on palynological analysis of the propolis produced in this region. Twenty four samples of propolis were collected and analysed throughout 1997, originated from three apiaries located in distinct areas on the west Atlantic coast in the municipality of Rio de Janeiro. The palynological analysis was carried out after removal of wax and resin using ethanol, acetolysis, and counting 500 pollen grains per sample. All samples showed a predominance of Eucalyptus pollen type together with Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia apart from minor quantities of Mimosa scabrella. Cecropia was present in most samples but the percentages varied considerably. Anacardiaceae (four pollen types), Asteraceae, Citrus, Cocos and Poaceae also occurred in most samples, but in lower quantities. The original vegetation in this region (Atlantic forest and "restinga") was represented by a few pollen types with percentages below 3% (Astronium, Casearia, Celtis, Mansoa/Sparattosperma, Myrcia, Schinus and Tabebuia). Statistical analysis reflected the correlation between the plant species identified by their pollen grains and the studied areas. The palynological analysis of the brownish propolis showed mainly the similarity of the pollen spectra in these three areas, making evident the altered vegetation (from degraded areas and cultivation).
Apis mellifera; palynological analysis; propolis; Rio de Janeiro; vegetation
