Genetic structure of Caspian Sea southern area honeybee populations, based on microsatellite polymorphism

Genetic diversity is a key component of ecosystems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of Iranian native honeybee colonies (Apis mellifera meda L.) located in the northern region. Colonies from 24 locations have been analyzed using microsatellite markers. Samples were collected from Caspian Sea southern area (north of Iran). Six microsatellite markers (A28, A29, A113, A24, A76, and A43) amplified them. Amplification was successful in four loci but not for A76 and A43. Polymorphism and diversity indices were high for all amplified loci and for total population. Average heterozygosity and average number of alleles were significantly high in these colonies. The phylogenies also revealed a genetic distance among colonies of this area. The results showed a reliable genetic diversity among Apis mellifera meda L. populations in the north of Iran (southern area of Caspian Sea). Based on the microsatellite genotypes, the honeybee population in the southern area of Caspian Sea can be clustered into two distinct subpopulations located in Gilan and Mazandaran area. These results support the previous morphological and biochemical evidences.