Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The history of beekeeping in Brazil is marked by three distinct phases, which transformed the activity from a rudimentary practice into a modern agricultural sector of great economic importance. The Beginning with European Bees (1839). Modern beekeeping in Brazil began in 1839 with the arrival of the Apis mellifera species. Father Antônio Carneiro brought the first colonies from Portugal to Rio de Janeiro, inaugurating rational breeding in the country. Later, European immigrants, especially Germans and Italians, brought other breeds to the South and Southeast, boosting the activity. During this period, beekeeping was limited, with low productivity and simple management techniques. Breeding took place primarily in backyards, and the less aggressive European bees did not cause major coexistence problems. However, their performance was considered unsatisfactory compared to other countries. And finally, the Arrival of African Bees and Hybridization. One of the most decisive moments in the history of Brazilian beekeeping occurred in 1956, with the introduction of African honeybees (Apis mellifera scutellata) into the state of São Paulo by geneticist Warwick Estevam Kerr. The goal was to conduct research to improve the productivity and resilience of local bees. However, by accident, 26 African queens escaped and mated with the European bees already present in Brazil. This natural cross gave rise to a new breed, the Africanized bee, known for being more defensive and productive, adapted to the tropical climate. The arrival of these bees caused a significant impact, generating concern and even the abandonment of the activity by some beekeepers due to their aggressiveness. Beginning in 1970, Brazilian beekeeping entered a period of recovery and expansion. Remaining beekeepers and researchers dedicated themselves to understanding and adapting the management of Africanized bees. They developed new techniques and tools to address the species' defensive nature, taking advantage of their high productivity and disease resistance. This phase was crucial for the sector's growth. The knowledge and organization of beekeepers, through associations and cooperatives, enabled the professionalization of the activity. Today, Brazil stands out internationally as a major producer and exporter of high-quality honey, as well as other products such as green propolis, wax, and royal jelly. The Africanized bee, once seen as a problem, has become the main driver of national beekeeping.
Authors: Gomes, Nicolle Borba Maracaja Rodrigues, Oliveira, Maria do Carmo Borba de, Santana, Maristela de Fátima Simplicio de, Lima, Ricardo da Cunha Correia, Almeida, Rossino Ramos de, Medeiros, Aline Carla de, Gurjao, Camila Vieira de Sousa, Santos, Ana Paula Silva dos, Albuquerque, Aline Pacheco, Palma, Cristina Fernandes Cavalcanti, Maracaja, Patricio Borges, Sampaio, Maristela, Rossino Ramos de
Institution: Instituto Nacional do Semiárido
Language: Portuguese
Subfield: Insect Science
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7220639680