DETERMINATION OF GLYCOGEN IN BEE ORGAN TISSUES AS AN ENERGY METABOLISM PARAMETER

Abstract

New method of glycogen determination in bee organ tissues, considerably different from the existing ones, was suggested. Ghoreishi’s colorimetric method used today is time-, labor- and cost-consuming as the major reagent – orcin – is quite expensive. Comparison of cost-effectiveness of the two methods demonstrated that the proposed technique makes it possible to reduce expenses by using a more available and less expensive resorcin instead of orcin and reducing total test time from 4 to 3 hours 5 minutes. Glycogen contents determination using the updated method was performed in bees of four breeds: Italian-Carpathian, Carpathian, Oka, gray Caucasus mountain honeybees. It was determined that the Oka honeybees demonstrated the highest glycogen level. It is known that the higher is glycogen contents in organs and tissues the better is energy metabolism in insects. Consequently, honeybees of Oka breeds have higher resistance to unfavorable weather conditions and can produce progeny with a higher level of immunity. So, the specified method of glycogen determination in bee organ tissues increases the accuracy of diagnosis and plays a very important role in determining the level of energy metabolism in insects and will be useful for apiculture.