Avaliação genética em abelhas Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides Lepeletier para produção de mel: estimativas de parâmetros genéticos e fenotípicos

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate variance components of additive genetic, phenotypic and residual, and the heritability; and evaluate genetically colonies and queens of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides Lepeletier for characteristics related to honey production. Sixty colonies from different regions of Bahia were transferred to standard boxes and divided, giving rise to the parental generations, G1 and G2. Were measured in three generations the characteristics: honey production; number, width, depth and volume of honey pots; number, height and diameter of pollen storage pots; weight; number, width and diameter of the brood combs; and the estimate of the number of individuals. The measurements were corrected for the fixed effect of the month of measurement. Estimates of variance and heritability were obtained by Bayesian approach in analyzing unicaracter, using animal model containing fixed effect of month of measurement and random genetic additive effect. Was performed a selection of the best queens and colonies through a classification based on genetic value. The genetic gain of evaluated traits was calculated using the average production of the colonies. There was indication of convergence for all the chains obtained. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.25 to 0.53, therefore additive genetic variation that ensures good response to selection. There was little change in classification of the queens. Genetic gain per colony showed that it is possible to increase production in the next generation.