Novel techniques for stingless beekeeping: Experience in Mexico

Ancient Maya civilization developed the technology required in cultivation of stingless bees. At the present time, these techniques are conserved by inhabitants of Yucatan peninsula and Central America. Without a doubt, the cultivation of Melipona beecheii persists due to the natural properties of honey and its uses in ceremonies, ethnomedicine and traditional therapies. Commonly, the cultivation of stingless bees is performed in a hollow trunk that is adapted to necessities of bees and it is called in Maya “jobon." The design and construction of this honeycomb is mainly empirical and it is transmitted through generations. However, several drawbacks are observed in the use of this handcraft honeycomb, the drilling of the trunk is laborious, the detection of diseases in bees is difficult and the harvest of honey usually requires the breakdown of the trunk and could damage the health of colonies. For this reason, has been proposed the use of novel techniques for production of stingless bee honey such as the design of wood boxes and the establishment of recipients that contains colonies of bees, honey and pollen. The purpose of this chapter is to summarize the current aspects of technification of stingless bee honeys and to describe the main attempts to develop a sustainable production of honey in Yucatan peninsula and other relevant areas of Mexico.