Entomofauna visitante das flores de Lippia alba (Mill.) N.E. Brown (Lamiales, Verbanaceae) em Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Lippia alba (Mill) N.E. Brown (Verbenaceae) is a aromatical shrub used in herbal therapy, due to its medicinal properties. The knowledgement about this species reproductive aspects is usefull to make its sustainable exploration. So, The objective of the present study was to verify the floral phenology, pollen morphology, flowering entomofauna and the influence of climatic factors in relation to the frequency of visits in flowers of L. alba. The work was developed in the Experimental Station of Plants Culture and Maintenance of UFJF, in the municipality of Juiz de Fora, MG, from december of 2008 to november of 2009. Observations were made on the floral phenology and morphological description of the pollen grains, also held monthly survey of insect floral visitors of L. alba in the period of 6 am to 6 pm. Flowering of L. alba occurred throughout the year. The anthesis was diurnal and each flower had a duration of five days. The guide was visible in the flowers until the third day. The stigma remained wet and sticky until the third day. The average number of inflorescences per plant was 44.4 ± 38.29. Each inflorescence had on average 7.1 ± 6.9 flowers. Pollen grains had average size, from they were classified as isopolar, oblate spheroidal, 3-colporate (rare, 4colporate), surface pierced and tectated, with a median constriction and endoaperture lalongate. Hymenoptera showed the highest percentage of visits (84.71%), between the insects sampled, followed by Lepidoptera (11.00%), Thysanoptera (2.12%), Diptera (2.08%) and Hemiptera - Heteroptera (0.09%). Sixty three species were recorded, with greater frequency of visitation from10 am and 2 pm, and a significant correlation between the frequency of visits and the climatic factors was observed at different times of day (light, r = 0,56; p <0,0001; temperature, r = 0,69; p < 0,0001 and relative humidity of air, r = -0,55; p <0,0001). The rainy season presented a significantly higher number of species visitors (P <0.05) and increased frequency of visitation. The plant showed to be preferentially melittophilous, due to the predominance of bees visitors of the flowers. The honeybee Apis mellifera was considered the main visiting because of its constancy and frequency in the L. alba flowers. The authors suggest the use of this species as a constant source of pollen and nectar, throughout all the year, perfect to beekeeping services.