Evaluation of the wavelength of the LED lamp for use in the nocturnal management of Apis mellifera

Abstract

The study evaluated the attractiveness of Africanized Apis mellifera L. to different wavelengths emitted by LED lamps, also evaluating the variation of this activity over time. The work was carried out at the Insect Study Center (INSECTA), located at the Federal University of Recôncavo da Bahia. Data were collected in an arena illuminated by lamps emitting different wavelengths: yellow (570 - 590 nm), white (400 - 700 nm), green (470 - 550 nm) and red (630 - 700 nm), in which 50 bees were placed for evaluation of behavior. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used, followed by Tukey's test for multiple comparison of means at the 5% significance level. The 400 - 700 nm wavelength lamp (white color) was more attractive to the bees; The wavelengths of 470 - 550 nm (green) and 570 - 590 nm (yellow) showed similar attractiveness; and the wavelength of 630 - 700 nm (red) showed less attractiveness to bees. The study shows that the wavelength emitted by the red lamp has a significant effect on the attractiveness of bees. The study demonstrated that there is potential for the use of red LED lamps during night management in apiaries, since it can minimize the attraction of bees, reduce the risk of accidents and facilitate the management carried out by beekeepers at night.